Planted in Scotland
I am truly grateful for the opportunity over these last few months to have worked with some wonderful students.
Twelve months ago, whilst in the USA, I met with Dr. Tony Brown at BYU, in Provo, Utah.
From our conversation that day came the opportunity to help coordinate student internship placements here in Scotland and Ireland.
It was one of those moments where we both didn’t quite know at the time what would grow from it.
Amilya, Emily, and Hazel are the latest of that group. They’ve been in Dunfermline and Montrose for the last three or four months, and today is their final Sunday at church in Scotland before heading home in the next few days.
Amilya was one of our missionaries in Belgium/Netherlands, so that has been extra fun having her stay at our home too.
It’s been a real adventure for each of them and challenging at times too.
New country, new accents, new routines, new opportunities. 
They’ve worked hard, represented BYU amazingly, and brought warmth and energy everywhere they’ve gone.
A few weeks ago, Tony also made it across to Dunfermline to visit Hazel at her placement at the Andrew Carnegie Birthplace Museum. It was great fun showing him around the Glen that day and seeing things through fresh eyes again.
Lessons Learned
There’s a gospel lesson in all of this that keeps coming to mind.
The Saviour often talked about journeys, planting seeds, and using the talents we’re given. Sometimes the seeds are planted far from home, in unfamiliar soil, but with faith and effort they still grow.
I think that’s what’s happened here.
“But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.” Luke 8:15
The three of them came willing to serve, to learn, and to stretch themselves, and something good has grown for everyone involved.
We’re all better for having had them here, even if only for a season.
Safe travels home, Amilya, Emily, and Hazel.
Scotland will miss you, and we’re grateful for all the paths that crossed, and for the seeds that will keep growing long after you’ve gone.
Look out for many others students arriving in 2026 and if you’d like to host one or two, please drop me a note.
How often do we realise the value of a season only as it ends?
