Tag Archive for: journeys

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?

Medium…

𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐣𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐲 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲?
Monic and I love to take walks through Leidschendam.
The length of our walk is generally determined by the amount of time we have allocated to exercise in our daily routines.
We have identified three routes.
Short – 20 minutes
Medium – 40 minutes
Long – 1 hour
Our morning conversation usually goes something like this.
“Is it short, medium or long today?”
Yesterday, we decided the “medium” walk was in order.
We then put in the necessary effort to make the journey.
As usual, we enjoyed our walk together.
Talking, observing, laughing, sharing and planning.
Regularly we are surprised how very few people we see out walking.
Oftentimes, we will complete our walks without meeting a soul.
Yesterday we especially enjoyed seeing and hearing the green parakeets. There were about 10 of them and they like to make a lot of noise.
In addition, we loved seeing many little ducklings.
Slowing down allows us to see, feel and hear different things.
It is during our walks that I notice many simple moments are filled with a sense of connection and peace.
Why is that we miss so many moments in our own life?
Is it that there are always more busy thoughts that preoccupy our minds?
It’s time to slow down.
Where will your journey lead today?