APPLECROSS….WOW!

I have seen driven up to Mt. Fuji in Japan; I have seen Kilimanjaro, I have been to the foot of the Swiss Alps and I have driven across the Rockies, but what I experienced yesterday topped them all. The mountains that I drove up were not as tall as the Alps or the Rockies, but it was just their scenic beauty…they are just so striking and there is one right after the other. My journey to Applecross on the Scottish mainland was in the brightest sunlight, but the most striking of all the scenes that I wanted to take I was unable to because of the narrow roadway. There is room for only one vehicle at a time, except for small passing cutouts in the mountainside, which are too few and far between, so when you have several cars behind you, it is hard to get out of the car to take the pictures (though, I did take a couple out of sheer desperation). Ben Johnstone, our pastor friend who came and visited us last July was driving and he told me that we would have a better chance a great pics on our return. However, by the time we left the village of Applecross, the clouds had completely surrounded all of the mountains that had earlier been in view. Uuuggggghhhhh. It was so frustrating not to be able to share the most amazing shots with you. Fear not, though, I did get some amazing pics that you should enjoy.

The more I visit with folks in the parish the more I realize that I will miss ministering here. There are some awfully nice people here that are warm, hospitable and generous. They are totally different when you are visiting them in their homes than they are at the church. But, I know that there will be some wonderful folks in the Dunvegan Parish, as well.

There is one person who will be in the Dunvegan Parish on the 9th of August that I am most anxious to get reacquainted with and that is Linda. I know for you, when I say she will be here in 15 days, that doesn’t mean a whole lot to you, but it sure does to me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Someone please tell Linda to hurry up and get here, because……

This guy

Is missing her
terribly!!!!!!!!!!

Okay, enough of that, before I start crying.
Here are some pics from Applecross…

Uig Church outside and in

An 11pm sunset Applecross mts.

Ps 8:9
O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!
Ps 18:7
The earth trembled and quaked, and the foundations of the mountains shook; they trembled because he was angry.
Ps 18:15
The valleys of the sea were exposed and the foundations of the earth laid bare at your rebuke, O Lord, at the blast of breath from your nostrils.
Ps 19:4
Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. In the heavens he has pitched a tent for the sun,
Ps 22:27
All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the Lord, and all the families of the nations will bow down before him,
Ps 24:1
The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it;
Ps 46:6
Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts.
Ps 46:8
Come and see the works of the Lord, the desolations he has brought on the earth.

Dunvegan

I ran out of time at the library where I go to do my blog, so I did not have a chance to tell you about the Dunvegan Parish, where I will be “stationed” in August and September. Dunvegan Parish is located 16 miles due west of Kensaleyre. Though it is only 16 miles, it takes about 25 minutes to drive because of the winding roads. The drive is, like all other drives here, beautiful and breath-taking. Every mile or so you get a whole new look at the mountains, valleys, etc., and of course, the ocean inlets give the surroundings a whole different visual dynamic. The waters are always so blue, and when the wind is not blowing, which isn’t too often, the calm lochs (Scottish for lakes and or ocean inlets) are as reflective as glass.

I met with the young man who is doing an interim piece who I will replace in a couple of weeks. What a fine young man. His name is Hector McKenzie. He came to know Christ while in college, though having grown up in a church-going home. Soon after graduation from college he began to feel the Lord’s call upon his life for full-time Christian ministry. Having served in the military, he knew of the great need for the Gospel in that setting and felt God’s leadership to apply for the Chaplaincy. His tenure at Dunvegan is a part of his preparatory training. He goes to Basic Training in September. I really had a wonderful visit with him and prayed with him. We met at the restaurant that serves the lovely scone that is pictured on the blog. Yes, they are delicious with tea…even in the afternoon.

A view from the Dunvegan Manse into Loch Dunvegan
After tea, he took me out to see the manse. Included, today, are some shots from the manse looking out over the Loch Dunvegan. That is enough to make you feel called to Scotland, huh? It is really beautiful and the afternoon was flush with brilliant sunlight. Hector told me that the winter gales that come in through the loch are very biting. I am sure. This manse only has four bedrooms, compared to this manse which has five. But the D. manse will be better when Linda and her parents come because it has a very open, airy living area.

My only regret of this experience is that there has not been an internet connection here. I am hopeful that the one in D. does. The moderator for this parish told me the middle of June that he thought that it did, but I am not believing it until I see it. I am almost about ready to pay for it myself, just so that I don’t have to drive 10-20 minutes in order to send an email. I was told today at the Portree Library that D. does not have such. The British Telecom requires a one year contract. The way I look at it, since I will be there 2 months and the pastor that they have called will be there in February, there is a four month overlap where there would not be anyone in the manse. I am thinking I would be willing to pay the $160 out of pocket (the cost for the four months no one is there) so that I could have instant contact with the world. Please pray that an IP is possible in D.

This is the Brakadale church

The D. parish is comprised of two churches. Brakadale is the second one, which is about a thirty minute drive from D. I will preach at the D. church on Sunday morning, and at the Br. Church at on Sunday evening. The parish also has a Bible study group that meets on Monday evening in one of the parishioner’s home. I am responsible for that meeting, as well, although, it is a lot more laid back and informal. Hector told me that they love to sing for 30-40 minutes before the Bible study. I was unaware of the Monday evening situation, so pray that the Lord will direct me to what He would have me teach.

Well, my time on the computer is about up and I want to make sure this gets posted today.
Now may the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the eternal covenant, even Jesus our Lord, 21 equip you in every good thing to do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen. (Hebrews 13:20-21)