Adjusting Our Pace to Rural Living

The reality of living in a rural community is really "sinking in"! It's "lambing" time and that means several of our parishners are sleep deprived! Crofters around here have lots of sheep, and this time of year those sheep are all having their lambs...some of them triplets! They have to be vigilant and make sure that the lambs are delivered without complications and then monitor their progress. Linda visited a couple of crofts yesterday and took some pictures. The sheep that are amost ready to deliver their lambs are kept in the barn with lots of hay and water. They are frequently checked on to see how things are progressing.
The newborns are licked by their "mum" to stimulate their movement and sucking reflexes. If for some reason the mum doesn't take to the lamb or allow it to suck...which fortunately is somewhat unusual, the crofter has to feed it with a bottle. Apparently that is quite a time consuming task as they like to feed alot like a newborn human baby. For those of you who already have all this knowledge, forgive our repeating it! Of course for city folks, all this is new and facinating! Linda wanted a lamb to bring home, and almost had Robert considering it...but everyone says that isn't a good idea if you don't have to do it! One American lady who lived here decided she wanted to have a pet lamb and put disposable diapers on it so she could keep it in her house. The Scots thought that was pretty funny. Linda is not that American woman...but she could definately see how that would be an option if you wanted a pet lamb!


Our gardening project is continuing to expand and make progress. Robert has, of necessity, gotten involved in digging and shoveling. When you have an 89 year old man, and a whimpy woman, someone has to do the hard stuff! Digging 6 rows for potatoes and then shoveling manure on top is not a job for the "faint at heart"! Robert was up to the task, and will be rewarded by hundreds of potatoes...We don't know what we will do with all of them! SIX ROWS! Murdo assures us that they will clear the ground for further planting and that is one of our main goals this year! There are a variety of 6 kinds, so that will keep us from boredom!Murdo has recently donated a Victorian Plum tree to our garden project, as well as numerous vegetables seedlings...and those will be planted in the next few weeks!

TRADITION! We were watching "Fiddler on the Roof" the other night and were amazed at the similarities in that culture and here. In one scene, Topol is talking (or singing) to himself about certain traditions and says "So you ask why we do it that way?" He pauses, smiles, and replies, "I don't know!" We are finding quite alot of that here! Living in a rural community, where so many have such a long history of ancestors and ways of life, has it challenges for "incomers". But we know God has called us, city folks from Texas, and we trust that He will fulfill His purposes in His way and in His time! We are now, and could be for some time to come, in that stage of "preparing and planting"....and waiting to see what comes up! God will produce the growth.

Robert has given out the book "Instruments in the Redeemer's Hands" by Paul Tripp to the Elders and their wives and has started the "Changing Hearts, Changing Lives" DVD series.  We think it is a good opportunity to share with the Elders how to incorporate biblical truths in everyday life. Please pray for wisdom as Robert lead that series.

Linda recently started up a new Women's Bible Study. They are studying "Women of the Bible". She is developing the questions and study herself, rather than using any particular study guide, and that has been a real blessing to her. She also published the first newsletter for the parish, with pictures, events, and upcoming information. We are hopeful that this will contribute to the unity of all three congregations, as they know more of what is going on around the parish.

We have started meeting with the youth. We have 3 at the moment who seem committed and eager to participate. We are using a book called "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan. He is a quite dynamic person and has a great way to communicate with young people. If you want to check him out, you can find out about him at http://www.crazylovebook.com/ . We will discuss the book and watch a short DVD segment, play games, and eat (of course)! We hope to build the group and see more teenagers here come to Christ.

One of Robert's ministry opportunities is going to schools in our parish and sharing a short devotional. It's a great opportunity to meet kids and teachers and share the gospel. He recently took all the makings for nachos to one of the schools and the kids had fun learning how to make a "Texas" treat!


We are looking forward to a visit from our daughter Liz and her family at the end of May. We are missing our family and friends in the states, so this will be a refreshing time! We invite all of you to come visit us!! We live on an absolutely stunning island IN SCOTLAND! We have 4 bedrooms. We are eager for visitors! So, "Ya'll come!"