Greetings From Scotland!

Hello Friends and Family,

As we write this letter to you, we have been serving in Scotland now for just around 8 months, and what an adventure it has been! In the words that follow we will seek to summarize our time here so far, and lay out some plans for the months to come.

             The Last 6 Months:

We have laughed, cried, cleaned, climbed, explored, fought, cooked, folded, ate, traveled, aged, celebrated, mourned, painted, and experienced every other type of emotion and activity. We have crossed the Atlantic, ridden the railways, and seen sights like the London Eye, the Seven Sisters Coastline, the streets of Edinburgh, and the picturesque rolling hills and lochs of Scotland. These extraordinary adventures were made possible by the ordinary adventures of working at Abernethy Outdoor Centre; cleaning toilets, “hoovering” (vacuuming) countless hallways, cooking poached eggs and sausages, and the average amazing every day.                              

We have also established so many life-long relationships. The Kelman’s (Brian, Isabel, Andrew, etc) have blessed us with a home away from home in Glasgow, a place to get away and a family for the holidays. And of course, the Abernethy Staff, both at our centre and beyond; have been such a welcoming community and have continued to show us true community.

                                                                                                The Next Steps:

We may be 3/4 way there but we are not done yet! As we approach the summer season, Abernethy only gets busier. Matthew is now regularly working as an instructor, and Cynthia is continuing to support the house and kitchen team. In April, we traveled briefly back to the tates for Cynthia’s sister’s wedding, and this June Matthew’s parents are coming for a visit.

Unfortunately, as we are 1/2 way through our contract, we have begun to think about what to do after this August. We are pursuing an opportunity to spend another year in Scotland, but we are also applying at some places back in the states.  Prayers for wisdom and opportunity would be appreciated as we try to balance our dreams of exploration with the practical side of finances and building experience in our fields.

          

Thanks to You:

Oh, how wonderful you all are!!! For all those times, when we have forgotten to say thank you… THANK YOU! ‘Absence truly does make the heart grow fonder’. As we live the everyday over here, we have found that it is the mundane, simply day-to-day life that we miss. Sharing with you all the deal you found at the store, the awesome new restaurant and any other amount of “ordinary”. So thank you for being … THERE. 

                               Prayers:

1.    Future: As we said above, we are starting the process of figuring out where to go next. Your prayers and recommendations on places to look is appreciated and welcomed. 

2.    Health: It seems to be an on-going battle, and we are just tired of being ill. Prayers for wisdom on how to navigate the medical system over here, and for just healing.

3.    Finances: We are beginning to save for the trip home and build a savings for the next step in our lives, but we are seeking a balance between living in this moment and saving for the future. 

 For the next steps and to follow along with our journeys here in Scotland, don’t forget to check out our blog: Sheddsgotoscotland@blogspot.com. Also, we would love to receive snail mail @ 

The Shedds

Abernethy Ardeonaig

Near Killin, Perthshire

United Kingdom, FK21 8SY

May The Grace and Peace of God Bless you as you have blessed us,

Cynthia and Matthew Shedd