We were out shopping in Inverness and mommy got a bit tired so we sat down and enjoyed a hot herbal tea and Gaius enjoyed a "baby-ccino" (milk froth).
Tuesday, 16 October 2007
It's Fall (Autumm) in Scotland!
It's fall in Scotland and though the weather is much colder then a Houston, Texas Fall we have been blessed with the occasional sunny day with mild temperatures.
We enjoyed a walk through on of our favorite spots about 5 minute drive from our home. Thought you might enjoy seeing a few photos.
We enjoyed a walk through on of our favorite spots about 5 minute drive from our home. Thought you might enjoy seeing a few photos.
Wednesday, 10 October 2007
The Last Week with Mom and Dad
We also visited the castle in Drumnadarohic--Urquart Castle--on Loch Ness.
We visited a town called Drumnadarohic (15 min from our town) and enjoyed the Highland Games they put on. Even Gaius got to take part in a race!
We visited Culloden Battle Field
We visited a town called Drumnadarohic (15 min from our town) and enjoyed the Highland Games they put on. Even Gaius got to take part in a race!
We visited Culloden Battle FieldDad and Andrew Preaching
August was a busy preaching and speaking month for both the guys. They preaching at KFC, the Free North Presbyterian Church in Inverness, and Dad spoke at a men's night out event (which I have not photos of). They enjoyed there time and where well received. 
KFC Ladies Retreat
At KFC we held a Ladies Retreat in August (17th and 18th) on Friday night and Saturday. We held this event in the local community hall and it was a huge success! We had 25 ladies and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and enjoyed the guest speaker, Mrs Helen Ferguson from Houston, Texas. The retreat was filled with fellowship, food, crafts, singing/special music, and wonderful and inspiring talks. We had ladies from many different churches and communities from the surrounding Inverness area. 
Just Time For a Visit to Skye
We had just enough time to squeeze a trip across to Skye before our busy weekend hit. We Visited Eilean Donan Castle the most photo graphed castle in the U.K. It was a bit cold and windy but fun.
On Our Way Up to Kiltarlity
On our (Dad, Mom, Gaius and Eleanor) up to Kiltarlity we visited Glamis Castle witch was a lot of fun. 
Our Time with Mum and Dad in Glasgow
Andrew had to leave after our week in Glasgow (while mom and dad were in Oxford) to go back to Kiltarlity to work but that did not stop our fun!
We had lots of fun site singing with mom and dad. On this Sunday we went to visit the church where my great-great grandmother was married--this was a lot of fun to see this church especially as it has not changed very much in appearance. We also took trips to Stirling (my favorite to date town in Scotland) and lots of great time enjoying one another.
(Bellow: Gaius' favorite part of Stirling was the slide)
We had lots of fun site singing with mom and dad. On this Sunday we went to visit the church where my great-great grandmother was married--this was a lot of fun to see this church especially as it has not changed very much in appearance. We also took trips to Stirling (my favorite to date town in Scotland) and lots of great time enjoying one another.
(Bellow: Gaius' favorite part of Stirling was the slide)
Tuesday, 2 October 2007
Our Weeks Holdiay in Dryman
While Dad and Mom were down in Oxford for dad to take part in the Round Table Disscutions we enjoyed a weeks holiday.
We visited a place called Loch Lomond Shores which is a shopping center and activity area. We met up with some friends of ours from Melbourne Australia, the Robertson's (they were on holiday--back home for a visit) so it was great to catch up with them. Gaius and their son Duncan enjoyed the rides and play park very much (I think this was Gaius favorite place that we visited) Even mommy had to go on the tea cups:)
We visited Lake Mentieth were we waited on a dock that had some rather friendly but unpredictable geese to get onto a little boat to cross to an Island were and Augustinian Priory was. The island was a beautiful spot for a picnic and it was a nice sunny day so we enjoyed exploring the island together. 
We visited a place called Loch Lomond Shores which is a shopping center and activity area. We met up with some friends of ours from Melbourne Australia, the Robertson's (they were on holiday--back home for a visit) so it was great to catch up with them. Gaius and their son Duncan enjoyed the rides and play park very much (I think this was Gaius favorite place that we visited) Even mommy had to go on the tea cups:)
We visited Lake Mentieth were we waited on a dock that had some rather friendly but unpredictable geese to get onto a little boat to cross to an Island were and Augustinian Priory was. The island was a beautiful spot for a picnic and it was a nice sunny day so we enjoyed exploring the island together. 
We got a nice day so we drove to a town about 5 minutes down the road from the house we stayed at called Balmaha where Gaius had a play in the play ground then we decided to climb Conic Hill--a rather large hill with lots of steps and beautiful views of Loch Lomond and the area we were staying in. The trail we used had many back packers on it and everyone was very impressed with us climbing this hill (me being pregnant) so that made me feel good!:) The views were well worth the effort. 
Dumbarton Castle: We visited this Castle (it had lots and lots of steps and pretty views).
Dumbarton Castle: We visited this Castle (it had lots and lots of steps and pretty views).
Welcome to Scotland Mom (Grammie) and Dad (Papa)
We surprised Mom and Dad at the airport! They expected us to meet them at the house so when they walked out from behind the security doors, and all three of us with balloons and a sign were waiting---they did not even see us--Gaius went running out to great them but they didn't see him even after I said, "Dad!" it took them both a minute to realize that it was us! So it was good fun and they were both thrilled to have us meet them at the airport.
The day after they arrived in Glasgow we all took a small site seeing trip into Glasgow city which was a lot of fun, the first place Gaius wanted to take Grammie and Papa was the toy store. Which was a very successful move on his part because sure enough his grammie and papa could not resist buying him a soft base ball and bat!
The day after they arrived in Glasgow we all took a small site seeing trip into Glasgow city which was a lot of fun, the first place Gaius wanted to take Grammie and Papa was the toy store. Which was a very successful move on his part because sure enough his grammie and papa could not resist buying him a soft base ball and bat!
SEPTEMBER 2007 NEWSLETTER
It's October already!!! I must first send my apologies for not updating the blog or sending the August and September newsletters. Things have been VERY BUSY, and as the little baby inside grows I seem to get more and more tired.
AUGUST 2007
August was a wonderfully busy month. At the beginning of the month Mom and Dad (Helen and Robert) arrived and we surprised them at the airport with balloons and banners. What fun it was for us all to catch up with them (and open their suitcase with goodies from home!) and enjoy a little bit of sight-seeing in Glasgow together. Mom and Dad headed down to Oxford for Dad to take part in the Round Table Discussions; this was a wonderful trip and Dad's paper and work were well received by everyone. While Mom and Dad were in England we enjoyed a week's holiday in Dryman on Loch Lomand, the weather was not too kind to us (it rained and was a bit cold) but we were able to do some sight-seeing and Andrew and Gaius were able to hit a few golf balls and play outside.
Dad and Mom arrived back and the next day Andrew had to head back up to Inverness to preach on Sunday. Gaius and I stayed in Dryman with Mom and Dad. What fun that was for Gaius and I to spend time with them. Sunday we went to the church where my great-great-grandmother (Ferguson side) was married in. The four of us also took some time to do a bit of sight-seeing together around Glasgow then mid-week we drove up to Inverness.
Friday the 17th and Saturday the 18th was the Kiltarlity Ladies Retreat which mom spoke at. The retreat was a complete success we had 25 ladies come from a number of different churches. Mom did a brilliant job with the talks and all the ladies enjoyed her and were blessed by the teaching. The following Sunday Dad preach at KFC in the morning and Andrew preached at the Free North church in the city in the evening. The following Friday night dad spoke at the "Men's Night Out" which was also well received and a blessing. The last Sunday of the month Dad was asked to preach at the Free North (Presbyterian) church down town (Andrew was preaching at KFC), Mom, Gaius and I enjoyed going into town together and hearing him preach. The congregation was very grateful for Dad and the Lord blessed through his preaching. The following week we all headed back down to Dryman to spend the last few days of their "short" time in Scotland together and then send them off back to Houston. However on the last two days I came down with a nasty bug which ended up putting me into the hospital for one night. Though Andrew and I spend the majority of the last couple days at the hospital, it was wonderful for Gaius (and for us) to have Mom and Dad there to take care of Gaius for two days. By the end of those two days Gaius knew exactly who his "Grammie and Papa" were! I was let out of hospital with just enough time to enjoy Mom and Dad for the evening before they left for the airport Friday very early in the morning. :(
After Mom and Dad left Andrew, Gaius and I drove home though we had to take it very slowly as I was not fully recovered from the bug I caught. But we made it home in the end just in time for Andrew to preach a marathon weekend, Friday night service, Saturday night service, Sunday morning communion service and a Sunday night service!
SEPTEMBER 2007
Though the "special" things slowed down a bit we quickly jumped back into our normal busy routine of Andrew's work, Bible studies, Toddler groups, Prayer meetings and much more:)
My wonderful husband invited a number of my friends over the following Saturday to celebrate my birthday (Sep 8th) and it was a lovely time. Andrew made a spaghetti meal and a birthday cake for everyone. We had so many people that we could not have fit anyone else into the house(people were sitting in the kitchen and on the floor!).
Andrew has been very busy with preaching and teaching this month already. He is teaching though the life of David at the Congregational Bible study on Wednesday nights and he is still preaching though John on Sunday mornings. This semester will be even more busy for Andrew as he has started teaching Hebrew I at the theological college. The ladies Bible study has started a new study in the book of Esther (my favorite book in the bible) and we have a few new ladies coming along. I have also enjoyed being invited to speak at a Ladies Meeting at a Church of Scotland (Presbyterian) church in Kirkhill.
Gaius continues to grow like a little weed. He is talking more and more and he understands just about everything. He loves to play at his toddler groups, outside with the dog Max but I think his favorite is playing with his dad.
The baby within is also growing daily--and boy am I starting to feel it!--the doctors and mid-wives are all happy with how things are going and we continue to pray for the health and safe arrival of this little boy or girl????
Andrew has a particularly busy preaching month again this month he will be preaching at KFC in the mornings and almost every even of the month he will be preaching at different churches throughout the area.
We are very grateful for all of your support and prayer. Thank you for your continued response to our financial and prayer needs. We are grateful for the way God has used you to provide for the remainder of our costs for this year. It brings us joy to inform you that we are now confident that we will be able to financially pay for the needs of the remaining year (2007). Thank you!
PRAYER NEEDS (for the month of OCTOBER 2007)
AUGUST 2007
August was a wonderfully busy month. At the beginning of the month Mom and Dad (Helen and Robert) arrived and we surprised them at the airport with balloons and banners. What fun it was for us all to catch up with them (and open their suitcase with goodies from home!) and enjoy a little bit of sight-seeing in Glasgow together. Mom and Dad headed down to Oxford for Dad to take part in the Round Table Discussions; this was a wonderful trip and Dad's paper and work were well received by everyone. While Mom and Dad were in England we enjoyed a week's holiday in Dryman on Loch Lomand, the weather was not too kind to us (it rained and was a bit cold) but we were able to do some sight-seeing and Andrew and Gaius were able to hit a few golf balls and play outside.
Dad and Mom arrived back and the next day Andrew had to head back up to Inverness to preach on Sunday. Gaius and I stayed in Dryman with Mom and Dad. What fun that was for Gaius and I to spend time with them. Sunday we went to the church where my great-great-grandmother (Ferguson side) was married in. The four of us also took some time to do a bit of sight-seeing together around Glasgow then mid-week we drove up to Inverness.
Friday the 17th and Saturday the 18th was the Kiltarlity Ladies Retreat which mom spoke at. The retreat was a complete success we had 25 ladies come from a number of different churches. Mom did a brilliant job with the talks and all the ladies enjoyed her and were blessed by the teaching. The following Sunday Dad preach at KFC in the morning and Andrew preached at the Free North church in the city in the evening. The following Friday night dad spoke at the "Men's Night Out" which was also well received and a blessing. The last Sunday of the month Dad was asked to preach at the Free North (Presbyterian) church down town (Andrew was preaching at KFC), Mom, Gaius and I enjoyed going into town together and hearing him preach. The congregation was very grateful for Dad and the Lord blessed through his preaching. The following week we all headed back down to Dryman to spend the last few days of their "short" time in Scotland together and then send them off back to Houston. However on the last two days I came down with a nasty bug which ended up putting me into the hospital for one night. Though Andrew and I spend the majority of the last couple days at the hospital, it was wonderful for Gaius (and for us) to have Mom and Dad there to take care of Gaius for two days. By the end of those two days Gaius knew exactly who his "Grammie and Papa" were! I was let out of hospital with just enough time to enjoy Mom and Dad for the evening before they left for the airport Friday very early in the morning. :(
After Mom and Dad left Andrew, Gaius and I drove home though we had to take it very slowly as I was not fully recovered from the bug I caught. But we made it home in the end just in time for Andrew to preach a marathon weekend, Friday night service, Saturday night service, Sunday morning communion service and a Sunday night service!
SEPTEMBER 2007
Though the "special" things slowed down a bit we quickly jumped back into our normal busy routine of Andrew's work, Bible studies, Toddler groups, Prayer meetings and much more:)
My wonderful husband invited a number of my friends over the following Saturday to celebrate my birthday (Sep 8th) and it was a lovely time. Andrew made a spaghetti meal and a birthday cake for everyone. We had so many people that we could not have fit anyone else into the house(people were sitting in the kitchen and on the floor!).
Andrew has been very busy with preaching and teaching this month already. He is teaching though the life of David at the Congregational Bible study on Wednesday nights and he is still preaching though John on Sunday mornings. This semester will be even more busy for Andrew as he has started teaching Hebrew I at the theological college. The ladies Bible study has started a new study in the book of Esther (my favorite book in the bible) and we have a few new ladies coming along. I have also enjoyed being invited to speak at a Ladies Meeting at a Church of Scotland (Presbyterian) church in Kirkhill.
Gaius continues to grow like a little weed. He is talking more and more and he understands just about everything. He loves to play at his toddler groups, outside with the dog Max but I think his favorite is playing with his dad.
The baby within is also growing daily--and boy am I starting to feel it!--the doctors and mid-wives are all happy with how things are going and we continue to pray for the health and safe arrival of this little boy or girl????
Andrew has a particularly busy preaching month again this month he will be preaching at KFC in the mornings and almost every even of the month he will be preaching at different churches throughout the area.
We are very grateful for all of your support and prayer. Thank you for your continued response to our financial and prayer needs. We are grateful for the way God has used you to provide for the remainder of our costs for this year. It brings us joy to inform you that we are now confident that we will be able to financially pay for the needs of the remaining year (2007). Thank you!
PRAYER NEEDS (for the month of OCTOBER 2007)
- Health and safety for both baby and Eleanor
- Gaius will grow in faith and come to know the Lord as his Lord and Savior
- Andrew to be able to balance church work and PhD work, and that God would grant him insight in his studies at school, Hebrew class, doing prep for bible studies (Life of David) and sermons (Book of John).
- Blessing Andrew as he preachings at KFC, Free Church in Dingwall, Arrogie Free Church, and Greyfriars Free Church this month.
- Lady's, Men's, and Children's ministry at KFC
- Continued blessing in "outreach" ministry and that the church would continue to grow.
- PRAISE the success of the month of August and the ministries and family time.
- PRAISE for the success of our support raising through the month of August and the Lords provision for the remainder of this year.
Blessings in Christ,
Andrew, Eleanor, Gaius and Baby #2
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