Back Online in a New Land

Well, here I am, back online and in a new land! I have finally figured out a way to post to
my blog. I have been back in Scotland for over two weeks now, and in St. Fergus for just
over two weeks. I am slowly getting organized in my new home and bringing a sense of or-
der to a new phase of my life here in the Northeast of Scotland. Before my first week was
over I learned that my phone landline and internet access would not be operational until the
third of July. I finally found access at the public library in Peterhead, the main town down
the road. At first I found it difficult to gain access on wifi, but now I get online immediately.
I attempted to gain access to my blog, but found that it was blocked by the authorities that
be. Here in St. Fergus, one of the elders has graciously allowed me to use his computer. I
finally figured out how to access the blog and am now writing this blog post on his compu-
ter. But it is hard to wait until I gain my own access in early July.

I have been prayer walking around the village of 600 to 800 people. No one seems to have
an official population figure.  The village of St. Fergus is surrounded by a variety of agricul-
tural fields. It looks like there are new houses going up. I bless the people in the houses as I
walk by and talk to a few of the people on the streets. There are three  businesses in town: a
used car lot, a pub, and the town store that also serves as a post office for outgoing mail. It
seems many people of the village stop by there to get their morning paper. One can pick up
assorted items, but most people tend to go to one of the two or three big supermarkets in Pet-
erhead. I have had some nice chats with people in the store when I have gone there for one
or two items. Since the church stocked my refrigerator and cupboards with food, I have yet
to make a grocery run.

I visited the primary school in St. Fergus this morning. Just over 100 primary level students
are eagerly awaiting summer vacation. Next year I hope to do assemblies at the school, visit
classes, and go on field trips with the kids. The head teacher (principal) seems keen to involve
me in different activities next school year. I am looking forward to it. I hope that students will
see me as they play outside and come up to talk to me and introduce me to their parents. I
would like to see people at the church put on a Summer Holiday Club (Vacation Bible School)
here in St. Fergus sometime in the next few years. I know there are parents at the church who
are eager to see that take place. I am also amazed how some schools (such as the one here in
St. Fergus)are open to the Gospel of Jesus Christ being presented to the students and their par-
ents. It just is not possible in the USA. So I look forward to the coming school year.

I am delighted by the people here in this area of Scotland. They are some of the friendliest and
most kind people I have ever met anywhere. I am touched by how nice everyone has been. I
mean that in a good sense of 'nice.' I am struggling with understanding the 'Doric tongue,' the
dialect of the region, but people are sensitive to my plight and have mercy on me. It is a mat-
ter of training my ear, being patient, and being willing to make mistakes in speaking. I hope
to write about that in future blog postings.

I am very happy and content here. I am where God has prepared me to be. In God's love, God
has placed me here. It seems that I have encountered many doors closing on me the past five
years. Now I am thrilled to see so many doors opening for me. I am committed to being here
for the long haul. There is no other place that I would rather be. It is a new adventure for me.
I strongly sense God's provision, guidance, protection, and blessing upon me as I start my life
here in St. Fergus, Aberdeenshire, Scotland. I feel royally blessed. I plan to write more in the
weeks ahead as I am able. It should be easier when I get online in my own place. As always, I
covet your prayers on my behalf.

Blessings to you and yours,