All About Carrie

A team bonding activity of a snowball fight!! 

posted by Carrie @ 2:40 PM 0 comments

A beautiful sunset-- this was the view from our cottage 

posted by Carrie @ 2:38 PM 0 comments

More of Loche Ness. It was so sunny on our six hour drive to Skye. 

posted by Carrie @ 1:30 PM 0 comments

This is Loche Ness. We drove by it on the way to Skye, no sightings of Nessy that day. This is the ruins of an old castle on the edge of the lake. It was so beautiful. The lake (or loche) was a lot bigger than I would have thought it would be. 

posted by Carrie @ 1:28 PM 0 comments

Thanksgiving Dinner

So tomorrow we are celebrating Thanksgiving, it is a lot of work to do that big of a dinner for 20 people.

Are sweet potatoes suppose to be green?? Somehow that is the color of ours, it is weird, we will just smother them with marshmellows (which are pink and white here) and no one will know.

I had a great Friday and Saturday. Left for Newcastle at 6:15 am on Friday and got back around 9:30 ish on Saturday night. We had a Bible Taining day on Friday and then on SAturday we had a day for students to think about their futures, it was good.

I am ready for some good sleep before tomorrow when we celebrate all we are thankful for.

posted by Carrie @ 4:44 PM 2 comments

Action Group Today
Today we went to Dundee to lead an Action Group of students there. It was really excting to see. About 20 students showed up. Dundee is about an hour north of Edinburgh and they don't have an Agape team there. One of the guys on our team has been in contact with the evangelism secretary there and they have been wanting to do evangelism. We all drove up there and helped them with an Action Group.

It was so exciting to see that many students want to share their faith. We haven't had an action group that large this year. They were all so willing and excited t share their faith. We led them in a time of training and prayer and they were all let out on the campus. There were so many exciting stories to share.

Our plan is to go back a couple more times and train students there to lead their own Action Groups.

Sick Again
Somehow I have managed to catch something again. I went to the Dr. yesterday and have a bad cold with an infection in my chest. It has been no fun. I think the cold wet weather doesn't agree with me. I need to build up my tolerance and get lots of rest.

Sometimes getting rest is easier said than done. Today we were in Dundee for most of the day. I do happen to have tomorrow off (Thanksgiving) but we have a 7 am train to Newcastle for a Bible Training day on Friday and an all day thing on Saturday. I also have a lot of work to get done for the Bible training day. We are doing a dinner for 20 or more people on Sunday for Thanksgiving. Then it will be Monday again and we have a full week . Next week we have our normal week plus we are heading to Liverpool to help them with a campus project they are having and then a cultural training day on Friday.


After that only two weeks and then we will get a two week break.

Yet again I have somehow managed to do something to the power cord of my laptop and I am waiting for another one to come in. I hope to have it by the beginning of next week.

posted by Carrie @ 2:36 PM 0 comments

Weekend Retreat

Off to the Isle of Skye for the weekend. We are leaving at 9 am on Thursday and will be there until Sunday. We will be doing a little bit of content each day, but it is mainly a retreat. Skye is suppose to be beautiful and it is pretty remote.

We can all use some rest as the term has been really busy. I am praying that we all come back refreshed, and also that we can all get to know each other better this weekend. We have all been put together from all around the world. This is a good opportunity for us to hang out and get to know each other better, play games and have fun. If you can say a prayer for us that would be much appreciated.

I hope to get some pics and post them here when I get back.

Don't miss me too much :)

posted by Carrie @ 2:03 PM 1 comments

"Christianity is not out to help a man escape his past and run away from it, it is out to enable a man to face his past and rise above it."

posted by Carrie @ 5:31 PM 0 comments

Sharing Time

I have found that many times I am unable or make excuses to go to Action Groups. I was asked by a teammate of mine to go to one on this afternoon and I went. It isn't like I never attend them or anything, it is just there are many opportunities to share my faith that I don't take.

God is so amazing. This AG had two first year students and two of us staff members who were able to attend. This is a small number of people, but there were so many people to talk to. I actually ended up running into a student I know and asked her if she wanted to do surveys with me, she only had twenty minutes, but we went out and used that time.

The first two girls we ran into were willing to talk. We asked them a few questions and it turned out that one of the girls attends the Christian Union and the other one really doesn't know or think much of God. By us asking her questions we are praying that it can lead to future conversations between the two girls. We then prayer for them.

The girl I was with saw one of her friends and we surveyed her. It is really much more difficult to have a spiritual conversation with someone you know that a friend (at least in this type of setting). The conversation went so well. When we left the girl I could tell she was really thinking and she gave me her email address so I can email her and tell her about what is going on and hopefully grab a coffee with her and have another conversation with her sometime.

I was now by myself and had about twenty minutes. In the past, I really haven't liked going out by myself. Today it really gave me good opportunities to just have a couple good conversations. One of the girls I talked to is a Christian and a first year. She hasn't gotten connected with any Christian organizations. We will meet up sometime next week and have a coffee and another conversation. I was also able to talk to a girl who had just arrived in Edinburgh. She really wasn't interested in hearing much about the Gospel, but we chatted a bit.

In less than and hours time I had shared with five people. I had made two new contacts and hopefully been able to spur on future conversations about God. It isn’t my job to lead others to Christ. We are called to make disciples of all nations, but it is God who works in their hearts, we are just to spread the wonderful news of Christ to others, He takes it from there.

It is amazing how God meets you even when you aren't feeling like a good vessel and how He can use you when you don't even feel like being used. Take every opportunity you have, be used by God!! He knows how to guide!

posted by Carrie @ 1:54 PM 0 comments

Sharing Time

I have found that many times I am unable or make excuses to go to Action Groups. I was asked by a teammate of mine to go to one on this afternoon and I went. It isn't like I never attend them or anything, it is just there are many opportunities to share my faith that I don't take.

God is so amazing. This AG had two first year students and two of us staff members who were able to attend. This is a small number of people, but there were so many people to talk to. I actually ended up running into a student I know and asked her if she wanted to do surveys with me, she only had twenty minutes, but we went out and used that time.

The first two girls we ran into were willing to talk. We asked them a few questions and it turned out that one of the girls attends the Christian Union and the other one really doesn't know or think much of God. By us asking her questions we are praying that it can lead to future conversations between the two girls. We then prayer for them.

The girl I was with saw one of her friends and we surveyed her. It is really much more difficult to have a spiritual conversation with someone you know that a friend (at least in this type of setting). The conversation went so well. When we left the girl I could tell she was really thinking and she gave me her email address so I can email her and tell her about what is going on and hopefully grab a coffee with her and have another conversation with her sometime.

I was now by myself and had about twenty minutes. In the past, I really haven't liked going out by myself. Today it really gave me good opportunities to just have a couple good conversations. One of the girls I talked to is a Christian and a first year. She hasn't gotten connected with any Christian organizations. We will meet up sometime next week and have a coffee and another conversation. I was also able to talk to a girl who had just arrived in Edinburgh. She really wasn't interested in hearing much about the Gospel, but we chatted a bit.

In less than and hours time I had shared with five people. I had made two new contacts and hopefully been able to spur on future conversations about God. It isn’t my job to lead others to Christ. We are called to make disciples of all nations, but it is God who works in their hearts, we are just to spread the wonderful news of Christ to others, He takes it from there.

It is amazing how God meets you even when you aren't feeling like a good vessel and how He can use you when you don't even feel like being used. Take every opportunity you have, be used by God!! He knows how to guide!

posted by Carrie @ 1:54 PM 0 comments

This Weekend

Friday- Glasgow
I have done a lot this weekend, I should start by going back to Friday when the team and I went to Glasgow to see the city and see what the universities are like there. Since it had been a long week and I knew I didn't want to start the day too early, so we didn't get on the bus until 11. We arrived in Glasgow a little after noon and wandered around a bit.

We had heard there was an A&W there and we haven't had root beer since we have been here. It was nice and funny. They very much promote that it is "All American Food". That made us happy. We then found the two universities that are in the city centre part of town.

The two universities are Strathclyde and Caledonian. It was interesting to see how different these two cities are, especially since they are only about an hour away from each other. Glasgow is very different from Edinburgh. The city is so much newer, as are the universities. I really like Edinburgh.

The reason we went to Glasgow was to see what the atmosphere was there and do some scouting of the city. It was a good day. We were able to spend the day together as a STINT team and see another part of the country. I think I have mentioned this before, but the STINT team may be in Glasgow next year. I am heading up putting together information for the team so they can come in knowing a bit. We will probably take another trip there, and I may be going there more also.

Saturday-- Much of nothing

I spent Saturday doing what I like to do best on Saturdays, a lot of nothing. I got to sleep in until 10 and then had breakfast with my flat mates, yummy pancakes!! Have I mentioned that they don't have maple syrup here?? I then went to see if I could get a hair appointment, no luck at the first place, but I knew of another place. They were able to get me in, and as you can see from the photos below I got a new hairdo.

For the afternoon I just took care of some things around the flat and then went on a long walk.

As a flat we all watched the movie, Orange County. A bit funny, and some of the girls really love the movie. I was suppose to go to a party of a friend and as they say here, "I couldn't be bothered." I love that phrase. You can tell someone that and it is on no way insulting. I then received a call and I had to "Make an appearance" at the party-- guilt will do it every time. We stayed until about midnight and I wasn't tired when I got home, so I watch half of Love Actually. The soundtrack to that movie is really good. It was also good to watch the movie over here, I got a lot of things in the movie that I hadn't gotten before. Good film, but it does have a few plot lines I wish they would have done without.

Sunday

I think I set myself up for being tired. I woke up and went to church. It has been remembrance day (memorial) and I actually arrived early to church, which was good since they started early to have a remembrance ceremony. The church was packed as the sole candidate for the new pastor was speaking. He was really good, and I was able to chat with him a bit before I left.

I go to a fairly conservative Baptist church here. I really like it, and a lot of the people that go there. As is the case with many churches here, they have really good teaching, but not really good worship. I think this church is really starting to try in this area. If this pastor was chosen I think he said he also wants to make an emphasis on the student group as well. I have been taking an interest in the college group and the group is getting larger and larger.

When I got home from church I had lunch and then took a nap. I am starting to realize I am tired all the time. Hope it is just that I stay up too late. I do have a Dr. appointment in a week, so I will have them run do a blood test. Maybe it really is taking me over a week to get over this cold.

So basically I got none of the work done I needed to. I have a lot of reading to do and not a lot of time to get it done. We are going on a team retreat to Isle of Skye on Thursday through Sunday, I am looking forward to that. It should be a good combination of retreat and some training. Hopefully it will be a good rejuvenation to get through the end of the term, which is quickly winding down.

It is now Sunday evening and we are watching another film. Hopefully I will get into bed at a decent hour.

posted by Carrie @ 1:51 PM 0 comments

I pinched this from someone else's blog, it is good

Anchors keep you from drifting, they are like roots, they tie you to solid ground.
We need anchors when the winds are high and when we go out in those deep turbulent waters.
We need achors so that we're not swept along with the current and lost in strange seas.
We need achors cause storms will come and even our own familiar waters will get rough sometimes!
We need achors cause so that in times of trouble we know we can stand firm and weather the onslaught.
We need anchors so we don't forget where we stand and what's important in life.
We need achors... and we need to make sure we're achored deep in something that's strong and unmoving, something that won't change, won't budge even when the world itself seems to quake and shiver. When death, disease, and war is raging we need something to grab hold of, we need something solid and real.
Anchor deep. Life is not all sunshine and blue skies. Anchor deep and stay strong for storms will surely come and test your ability to stand... Darius.

posted by Carrie @ 1:41 PM 0 comments

This is me again!! I love to smile for the camera. 

posted by Carrie @ 12:31 PM 0 comments

My new hairdo. Needed a cut and this is how I left.  

posted by Carrie @ 12:30 PM 1 comments

This is one of my favorite photos I have seen, It is of Middle Meadows Walk and I walk through there just about every day. I found this one online. I want to get a print of this before I leave. It is never really that empty, thee are always loads of people walking through there, and I almost always run into someone I know. 

posted by Carrie @ 2:23 PM 2 comments

"When you come to the edge of all the light you have known and are about to step out into the darkness, FAITH is knowing one of two things will happen... There will be something to stand on or you will be taught how to fly."

posted by Carrie @ 4:22 AM 2 comments

"This is where I live" I have posted some pictures of where I live in Scotland for y'all to see. You can see my pink bedroom and parts of the flat. There are a few other pics also. Enjoy!!! 

posted by Carrie @ 10:12 AM 0 comments

This is the street from our flat. 

posted by Carrie @ 10:08 AM 0 comments

This is our kitchen. Not all that exciting of a view. From that window you can see into other flats around us and many times when we are washing up we can see what our neighbors are up to, it is a lot of fun. It also gave us a great view of fireworks on Guy Kawkes night. 

posted by Carrie @ 10:05 AM 0 comments

This is our living room where we have many guests over all the time. I will put a couple fotos up which are views of the street from those windows. 

posted by Carrie @ 10:03 AM 2 comments

Here is the hall of our flat, not that interesting. There are doors everywhere in flats here. Upstairs there are three more bedrooms and another bathroom. My room is the one to the left with the door open. 

posted by Carrie @ 10:01 AM 0 comments

This is the other side of my room. There is my wardrobe withh all my scarves on it. 

posted by Carrie @ 9:59 AM 0 comments

This is my sitting area around the fireplace in my room. It is nice and cozy. 

posted by Carrie @ 9:57 AM 0 comments

This is me on my bed. Hello everyone out there :) 

posted by Carrie @ 9:56 AM 1 comments

This is a partial view of my room. The "sleeping" area if you will. 

posted by Carrie @ 9:55 AM 0 comments

Good Choice

I made a good choice by not going to Paris. I woke up and was still not feeling well. I decided to look into how to go see a doctor. I called around and got the number and was set up with an appointment at the Royal Infirmary (hospital). When I made it out there I had about a 6 minute appointment where to dr. looked at my throat and said "it's yucky in there, looks like what I saw this morning" and went and grabbed me some penicillin. The health care sure works differently here. I really am not sure what I have. I am guessing it is basically tonsillitis. If I am really lucky and it persists it could be Infectious mononucleosis! I am really hoping that isn't the case. For now, lots of rest and fluids.

posted by Carrie @ 9:57 AM 0 comments

No Paris for me

I decided that I shouldn't go to Paris for the weekend. I really haven't been feeling well. My head has been all fuzzy and my ears have been plugged. Next week I have to plan a trip to Glasgow and many other of my usual meetings and appointments. If I would have gone I wouldn't be up to doing my job, the job the Lord has called me to.

Many people can't believe I have up an opportunity to go, but there will be other opportunities.

Guy Fawkes and Bonfire Night

November 5th is known as Bonfire and Guy Fawkes night in the UK. In 1605 a man by the name of Guy Fawkes tried to overtake parliament by setting kegs on gunpowder off. They were captured and put to death. Starting that same year people started celebrating by lighting bonfires and burning effigies of Guy Fawkes and through time fireworks have been added.

Tonight there are fireworks being lit all over town. It is really cool to see. There is no such thing as illegal fireworks here and they are easy to come by. I think they will be going off for a long time.

We could have gone to the foot of Arthur's seat and got a good view of the fireworks, but it is way too cold and wet out there to even think about that.

posted by Carrie @ 1:40 PM 0 comments

Yucky

I woke up feeling yucky. My head hurts, my ears are scratchy, and my throat doesn't feel well.

Here is my predicament-- I am supposed to go to Paris tomorrow!! I have a busy week next week and I won't get any rest. Should I still go??

posted by Carrie @ 10:30 AM 0 comments

Long couple of days

I can't believe it is only Tuesday. I have had a long couple of days with a lot of meetings, walking, and bus riding.

Our coach from the states has been visiting and was only able to be here for two days. She must be so much more tired than I am. The time was good though. Some things with our team have come to surface, and that is a good thing.

All in all, ministry is going teally well here. For only being on campus for six weeks there is so much going on. Next week we have more starting and that is exciting ot see.

On Tuesday mornings we have a meeting at 7:30 am for the leaders of Action Groups. There were eight students here this morning. That is so great to see so early in the term. We expect that to continue to grow over the year. It is so exciting to see how God is working!

Thanks to everyone for their prayers and support!! You are helping further God's Kingdom

posted by Carrie @ 4:13 PM 1 comments