Love's Strength Standeth in Love's Sacrifice

Today was a sad day; it was Kim and Richard's last day at Hamilton College. I am still in denial, because I fully expect to see them on Monday at break time in the staff room. But the reality is, they have to leave. And in only two weeks, we will have to leave. At least this way, we can still see Kim and Richard, like we will tomorrow night when we go into Glasgow with them. But in two or three weeks, we will be on another continent.

I am someone who loves to love, but hates goodbyes. I probably drove Kim and Richard nuts on Thursday evening when they came over for dinner because I kept asking, "Will you really still be friends with us when we leave?" to which they both responded with astonished, and mildly offended, responses of "YES!"

While at Edinburgh Castle, Kelly and I went in a hall devoted to honoring men and women who served in the past and those who still serve. In one section, the stone carving read "Love's strength standeth in love's sacrifice." Have you ever had one of those moments where you just hear or read something so obvious, so profound, and so enthralling that you can think of nothing else? I don't know how long I stared at those words, but stare I did, committing those words to memory, for they sum up not only the purpose of my being here, but also how I wish to live my life.

Ever since we arrived, I have had a greater appreciation for words and for their meaning. Part of this stems from the confusion of some words here, such as the confusion of pants vs. trousers, biscuits vs. cookies, and chips vs. french fries. I also have learned new words and phrases like grassbag, muck around, and slagging off. So when I read these words at the castle, I couldn't help but be entranced.

At this point, and this mental capacity, I'm not sure I can eloquently express what the words mean to me, but as I dwell on this, I will bear in mind the power that they hold, for they capture not only my reason for being here personally, but also why I can be here, through my faith in Christ who lived out these words in ways I can never dream.

 Kelly and I in front of Edinburgh Castle.

On Sunday, Mark took Kelly and I to St. Andrew's. Thankfully the golf course was not busy, so we didn't have much to fear in the land of golfers.

A picture of me at the university. I would kill to have such beautiful architecture on IWU's campus!!!

Think America has some old buildings? These church remains are from the 14th century! St. Andrew's Cathedral

And what's life without a little scenery. :)

I may not be a golfer, but I can certainly appreciate the 18th hole at St. Andrew's!