First off, I have learned a ton about myself over the past several weeks. I have been exposed to hundreds of different people, allowing me to understand different personalities and lifestyles. I have been given the opportunity to explore my own taste in design and decoration. I have also seen a lot of Hannah Rachel in myself too. I guess it's taken me 19 years to discover how alike we really are! We are both planners and organizers, we get upset if things don't go as planned and try to stop problems if they arise. We are both independent in our own ways. I have really enjoyed having time to reflect on my own about my experiences here so far and have enjoyed this independence! Although I miss my family, Taylor, and my friends a TON, this experience has shaped me even more into the young woman God wants me to be. I have definitely had to figure it out on my own, and I know that is why the Lord sent me here.
This weekend I went to Edinburgh with Meg, Holly, and Haley. We had a great time discovering the city and getting to know Edinburgh! We had planned to stay in a hostel because we knew we would not be spending much time in a hotel room. The train ride to Scotland was wonderful, and we hopped in a taxi and headed straight to the hostel to check in when we got there. At first, I had a bad instinct about the owner of the hostel. I am not one to judge, but it was hard for me not to be distracted by his sloppy appearance and the tone in which he spoke to us. We left the hostel to go explore a city about 30 minutes away, Stirling, after arriving at the hostel. I felt extremely guilty about the judgement I had placed on this guy. I prayed that the Lord would forgive me for judging him and for me to continue to trust Him.
We arrived back at the hostel to find the owner extremely rude to us. He insulted us of being "computer illiterate American girls" because apparently our booking was messed up. So...we left. And were off on the street with no where to stay.
"Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." Mark 11:24.
Lord, please help us find somewhere safe tonight. We are in a foreign country with no where to go. Please give us guidance and safety.
The Lord answered my prayer. We walked down the street and found a Sheraton hotel and they gave us wonderful help in searching for a place to stay. It was a holiday weekend, and we were looking for somewhere within our budget. They helped us find a precious bed and breakfast within our budget! After arriving at the bed and breakfast, I received a text from Taylor telling me his grandmother had been diagnosed with lung cancer. This was my breaking point after a longgggg day. Taylor has been living with his grandmother to take care of her because she has been having trouble with her help, but they did not know it was this severe. Luckily I was able to talk to him and the God of ALL comfort worked in our conversation that night.
"Praise be to the God and Father or our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort..." 2 Corinthians 1:3
The next day we toured the city and got a feel for Edinburgh. That night I found myself in an uncomfortable situation and felt alone even in such a big city. Again, I prayed for strength and comfort. The Lord sent 2 girls that night that lifted me up immensely and showered me with comfort. They even rode back in a cab with me to a place they weren't even staying!
"My son, preserve sound judgment and discernment, do not let them out of your sight; they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck. They will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble." Proverbs 3:21-23
The last morning in Edinburgh, I had the opportunity to climb to the top of "Sir Arthur's Seat." I felt the Lord's presence in a strong way once again. Although the climb was extremely difficult, the view from the top was breathtaking. I was overjoyed in how much the Lord has given to me individually over the past weekend, and witnessing his gift of creation to the world in that moment was incredible. He reminded me of how BIG He is and yet at the same time how much He loves each and everyone of us so very well.
"You alone are the Lord, You made the heavens, even the highest heavens, and alltheir starry host, the earth and ALL that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to EVERYTHING, and the multitudes of heaven worship you." Nehemiah 9:6
God is GOOD! I am forever grateful for his presence and teachings in my life!
We finally made it back to London last night and woke up to a full nights rest and headed to Windsor Castle. It's a short train ride about 30 minutes west of London. This has definitely been my favorite castle so far. I even got to wear shorts today! It was a beautiful day, and the rest of the week is supposed to be like today so I praise God for that. Here are a few pictures from the day!
Hope everyone has a great week! Can't wait to share what happens in week 3!
Loved your blog! So encouraging! Knowing that God is there for us in ever instance and that He won't give us anything that we can't handle with His help.
ReplyDeleteThanks for reading Katie!! I am dying to try the recipe you posted today!
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