Summertime in Skye

This has been the coolest summer we have ever experienced! With just a couple of days of high temperatures in the 70's...we haven't had much opportunity to wear"summer clothes." One day we were so thrilled to see sunshine, we spent the entire day gardening and laying on the grass just soaking up the rays! We have heard from several in Texas about the hot weather there, and honestly have felt a little jealous. But, maybe they have been a little jealous of our cool weather! Anyway, that is just a sample of how "Scottish" we have become...starting out every conversation about the weather! That is the common greeting when you first encounter someone. Some comment about the weather is appropriately made, then on to other topics.

Pulling nice white turnips

The Bounty

Who would have ever thought??

Strawberries, cabbages, cauliflower, broccoli, turnips, potatoes, beans, beets....What a garden! We have had so much fun seeing the "fruits" of our labors this summer in the garden. We have been able to share some of it with others too, and that is rewarding. I continually thank the Lord for Murdo MacDonald's offer to help me get it started. It's done quite well considering what a novice I am.

Gaelic Choir at Uig Communion

We have had numerous activities since my last blog...but I will try and digest them.... We had our 4 day Communion services in June. It took place in the Uig church and there were several guest preachers and we ended the Sunday communion with a "Praise Gathering". Our neighbors from the Staffin Parish joined us for great singing and "tea" afterwards. It was especially nice to hear Gaelic songs and a young boy led a Psalm in Gaelic for those there. Gaelic is such a beautiful language and the singing is particularly touching.

The summer brings lots of tourists to Skye and we have had the privilege of meeting Roger and Pearl Page, and their friend, Sandy Sanderson, after church a few weeks ago and invited them to our home for a meal. They were visiting the Skye during our communion time and ended up coming to every service during that week and even sang in the choir. They are from England and work with Christian Literature Crusade Publishers. We had great fellowship and prayer with them and offered to send children's books for us to give out at our Holiday Club. They sent two lovely boxes of books that the kids really appreciated receiving at the end of the club.

Books donated for Holiday club

Ruth and David

Another couple, David and Ruth live in Edinburgh and produce a Christian radio program. They were visiting Skye and heard Robert preach one Sunday recently. They asked if Robert would do an interview for one of their programs. He did and we had such a great time of fellowship that we ended up having them spend the night with us. We will go to a Praise concert in Perth with them next week. It's been such a blessing to be encouraged by these "visitors".

Having a good time at Holiday Club...at the Skeabost Community Center

Casey Ann is a 6 yr old who loved Holiday Club!

Our most recent activity was a "Holiday Club" (a Scottish version of "Vacation Bible School"). We were privileged to get Jonathan and Elizabeth Tink to lead in that. They are missionaries at Elgol. They have been in full-time Christian ministry for several years and felt the Lord's leading them to Skye.They were joined by three ladies from Faith Mission. We shared them with the church in Portree where they did the club in the morning and then came to Snizort parish for a 5 day afternoon club. We weren't sure how it would turn out, there hasn't been a Holiday club here in many years. We were encouraged that around 15-20 children attended each day. The "Names of God" was the theme and there were songs, puppets, and lots of bible verses and stories along with crafts. The children had a wonderful time and were asking if we would do it again next year. Our ladies in the parish volunteered to bring food for the team's evening meals which made it very enjoyable. We had a house full of guests and it was such a blessing! We love company!! (Hint.. Hint!) We are so thankful for those who have contributed to Heart Matters, as it would have been impossible for our parish to absorb the total cost of the club. We are praying that the Gospel seeds planted will take root in the children's hearts.

Another major event was Robert and I passing our UK driving tests. It was a challenge...the theory test was easy, but the practical test proved to be a bit more difficult. Linda passed the first time around, but Robert had a little set back and failed it. However, a month later (after Linda had to be the designated driver!) he passed it. He was so relieved...(and so was Linda.) We both agreed the Lord was continuing necessary sanctification...

We are excited about a trip back to the states the end of September to see family and friends. Hopefully we'll have another blog before then. May the Lord richly bless each one of you!!!