Hello again from the land of green hills, bagpipes and men in skirts. Sorry it has been a week since we've last written. It has been a busy week indeed as we have been chasing down houses, researching schools, attending YWAM meetings and just generally trying to get acclimated to the area.
As far as the house, it looks as though we may have found a place in the Stirling area. This isn't a definite as yet because our referenses must still pass the test, but it looks pretty good. The house is a detached cottage (which is amazing to find) in a part of Stirling called Causewayhead. The place is very small, but is in a good location for the kids and I believe a strategic location for the ministry.
Speaking of ministry, one of things that God has put on my (Marc) heart is to pray from the hilltops. The last couple of mornings I have been walking up to the top of the hill here in Clackmannon for excersise and to start my day in prayer. There are many hilltops and mountain tops here to climb so I will have much variety for excersize and prayer. One of the great things about the house we hope to get is that it is at the foot of the William Wallace monument hill. It was on this hilltop that Wallace watched as the English approached Stirling Bridge, where they (the english) would be defeated in the battle of Stirling bridge (1297 AD). This will prove to be not a place to bring glory to wars of long ago, but to live a life today as one that is passionate about the battle for the hearts, minds, and most importantly the souls of the people of Scotland. This battle though will not be won with swords, but with much prayer. (2 COR. 10:4-6; Zech.4:6)
PRAY FOR SCOTLAND!
More later.
Friday, May 28, 2004
Tuesday, May 18, 2004
Many of you are wondering if we are keeping warm, yes, thank you for your concern re: our body temperature! We are quite warm and believe it or not have not seen a real rainfall since we have been here. They tell us that this month may be as warm as it gets depending on the summer and its hitting somewhere in the 70s. The warmth of my laptop keeps me warm too! Frank & Beckys flat is central heated with double glazed windows which is a luxury we are looking forward to in our new home.
Please keep praying for us in this. Its more complicated than you want to read about with refinancing our home in the process, but basically the rentals here are 1 bedroom and only occationally, very occationally 2 if you jump on it quick. I guess most landlords find it more profitable to split a house into 4 quarters and destroy any single home. We will find something, I know God has something in store, and maybe we will have to work with an office, play room, dining room and living room all in one room. (Again usually just about 12-14 feet long and 1/2 that wide) Please don't get me wrong, I am NOT complaining just trying to adjust to the culture... we are all used to the honkin big Americans Homes. Its all good! We are getting to learn our way around this way!
Had dinner with a wonderful family after church on Sunday. (Church, We'll tell you about that one next blog) The kids played on the Slip n slide in their yard, yes THEY have a yard big enough but that is rare in town. Liam got a little bike handed down and Kayleigh got a pair of rollerskates on sneakers handed down and we all got a wonderful dinner and new friends. I'd say we made out quite well! It really was an answer to prayer. The kids all practically cried when we left.
There are loads of opportunities to share why we are here since every time we open our mouths our thick twangy accent comes out and they are automatically interested in why we would leave the states and come here! Its nice though, they seem to be fond of Americans so that is a comfort. Every person clerks, tellers, attendants etc. have all gone out of their way to make us feel welcome. I feel like its something of a Truman Show at times.
I spoke with a very nice lady at the park who moved here from England and she still senses tension from the Scotts. They are a strong people here, amazingly unified in their culture and roots, a bit rough all around and maybe feeling a bit inferior in their worth. Maybe we are way off, but that's our observation so far. Its different living in a town vs living on a YWAM base as you can imagine. You have much more opportunity to observe and participate in the community. Speaking of, I think I will go participate in the community of my pillow and my mattress.
Please keep praying for us in this. Its more complicated than you want to read about with refinancing our home in the process, but basically the rentals here are 1 bedroom and only occationally, very occationally 2 if you jump on it quick. I guess most landlords find it more profitable to split a house into 4 quarters and destroy any single home. We will find something, I know God has something in store, and maybe we will have to work with an office, play room, dining room and living room all in one room. (Again usually just about 12-14 feet long and 1/2 that wide) Please don't get me wrong, I am NOT complaining just trying to adjust to the culture... we are all used to the honkin big Americans Homes. Its all good! We are getting to learn our way around this way!
Had dinner with a wonderful family after church on Sunday. (Church, We'll tell you about that one next blog) The kids played on the Slip n slide in their yard, yes THEY have a yard big enough but that is rare in town. Liam got a little bike handed down and Kayleigh got a pair of rollerskates on sneakers handed down and we all got a wonderful dinner and new friends. I'd say we made out quite well! It really was an answer to prayer. The kids all practically cried when we left.
There are loads of opportunities to share why we are here since every time we open our mouths our thick twangy accent comes out and they are automatically interested in why we would leave the states and come here! Its nice though, they seem to be fond of Americans so that is a comfort. Every person clerks, tellers, attendants etc. have all gone out of their way to make us feel welcome. I feel like its something of a Truman Show at times.
I spoke with a very nice lady at the park who moved here from England and she still senses tension from the Scotts. They are a strong people here, amazingly unified in their culture and roots, a bit rough all around and maybe feeling a bit inferior in their worth. Maybe we are way off, but that's our observation so far. Its different living in a town vs living on a YWAM base as you can imagine. You have much more opportunity to observe and participate in the community. Speaking of, I think I will go participate in the community of my pillow and my mattress.
Thursday, May 13, 2004
Hey All! Surprise, it's actually us up and running, alive and well! Well, at least alive. Seriously, we appreciate your prayers and appreciate Gods mercies as we travel, search and rove about the green hillsides of Scotland from town to town seeking a home. We are staying at Frank and Beckies while they are in the States. Its a small, but comfortable upper flat that is richly decorated by Ikea and Martha Stewart, I mean Frank & Becky. I am enjoying the well stocked kitchen and quiet warm house.
The kids and I found the Clackmannon playground yesterday and met a local mom that filled my mind with all kinds of recommendations for schools and nice towns to settle or "dodgy" towns to avoid. Please pray with us on this one. Its such a hard decision, there is a lot on the line and we just want to be at the RIGHT corner of the country and in the right neighborhood. This Sun. we are invited to a Christian family's home in the next town over that send their kids to a renowned private school just up in a town called Dollar. The kids do speak of home but seem to be happy here and especially like having us around and not both in the office:)
It was soooo good to be home and see many of you even if it was very briefly. Very refreshing, but not too restful. (Thats ok, we will have a bit of time here before we set up the office) It was wonderful! Man, I was so thankful to be back for grandma's funeral and to be able to make it to Gayle Richardsons Moms funeral as well. Sure are reminded of our fragile and quick lives here on earth and the blessing of family and friends. (The understatement of the year!)
I found this awesome "New Testament in Scots" in their house here. (Not Scots Gaelic, that's in the highlands) This interpretation lends a glimpse of the robustness of the sounds of the new Scots and lowlands of this country. The language is a bit challenging to understand although its English, mostly! Old Scots is a rich brew of a language and what it lacks in dignity it more than makes up for in vitality and color. So here's a taste for you to leave as a benediction authored by Jude.
~ Nou, Til Him at dow keep ye frae stoiterin an set ye sakeless an rejoicin forenent his glore, til the ae God, our Sauviour throu our Lord Jesus Christ, be glore an maijestie, maucht an authoritie, afore aa time, an nou, an for iver an ey!
Peace to you, Julie
The kids and I found the Clackmannon playground yesterday and met a local mom that filled my mind with all kinds of recommendations for schools and nice towns to settle or "dodgy" towns to avoid. Please pray with us on this one. Its such a hard decision, there is a lot on the line and we just want to be at the RIGHT corner of the country and in the right neighborhood. This Sun. we are invited to a Christian family's home in the next town over that send their kids to a renowned private school just up in a town called Dollar. The kids do speak of home but seem to be happy here and especially like having us around and not both in the office:)
It was soooo good to be home and see many of you even if it was very briefly. Very refreshing, but not too restful. (Thats ok, we will have a bit of time here before we set up the office) It was wonderful! Man, I was so thankful to be back for grandma's funeral and to be able to make it to Gayle Richardsons Moms funeral as well. Sure are reminded of our fragile and quick lives here on earth and the blessing of family and friends. (The understatement of the year!)
I found this awesome "New Testament in Scots" in their house here. (Not Scots Gaelic, that's in the highlands) This interpretation lends a glimpse of the robustness of the sounds of the new Scots and lowlands of this country. The language is a bit challenging to understand although its English, mostly! Old Scots is a rich brew of a language and what it lacks in dignity it more than makes up for in vitality and color. So here's a taste for you to leave as a benediction authored by Jude.
~ Nou, Til Him at dow keep ye frae stoiterin an set ye sakeless an rejoicin forenent his glore, til the ae God, our Sauviour throu our Lord Jesus Christ, be glore an maijestie, maucht an authoritie, afore aa time, an nou, an for iver an ey!
Peace to you, Julie
Wednesday, May 12, 2004
Marc and Julie didn't have time to blog at all while they were in the states. The 11 days went by like a whirlwind I'm sure.
I just got this report from mom, so I thought i would post it.
------
Julie called today when they arrived at the Kremer's house where they will be staying until they find a house Kremer's will be gone until June 20 . So they are hopeing to have their own place by then.
Julie said that their flight was uneventful which is good. They did sleep some . Kayleigh and Liam slept more.
Scotland is just 5 hours ahead of us so that is not too complicated to figure out.
It will take a while to get the computer and e-mail going so do not expect to get email for a bit so says Julie.
The town that they are in is Clackmannan and she described it as a "playtown" the streets are tiny and narrow. And the houses are all close together. there is one of each thing as one pharmacy, one bank,one fish and chips, one night and day shop, etc.
They were tired and were getting ready for bed. It was 3:30 here but 8:30 there.
Thank you for praying for traveling mercies. The Lord is good.
Marc and Julie Hamer Phone until June 20
#011 44 1259 720 076
Temporary address: The Hamer's
%The Kremer''s
25 Castle St.
Clackmannan
FK 10 4EJ
Scotland UK
I just got this report from mom, so I thought i would post it.
------
Julie called today when they arrived at the Kremer's house where they will be staying until they find a house Kremer's will be gone until June 20 . So they are hopeing to have their own place by then.
Julie said that their flight was uneventful which is good. They did sleep some . Kayleigh and Liam slept more.
Scotland is just 5 hours ahead of us so that is not too complicated to figure out.
It will take a while to get the computer and e-mail going so do not expect to get email for a bit so says Julie.
The town that they are in is Clackmannan and she described it as a "playtown" the streets are tiny and narrow. And the houses are all close together. there is one of each thing as one pharmacy, one bank,one fish and chips, one night and day shop, etc.
They were tired and were getting ready for bed. It was 3:30 here but 8:30 there.
Thank you for praying for traveling mercies. The Lord is good.
Marc and Julie Hamer Phone until June 20
#011 44 1259 720 076
Temporary address: The Hamer's
%The Kremer''s
25 Castle St.
Clackmannan
FK 10 4EJ
Scotland UK
Saturday, May 01, 2004
Ok, so we managed to travel for 3-4 days and actually get out of Dunedin to see the amazing country of New Zealand! It was beautiful and more amazing the the post cards and Lord of the Rings epic, of course!
Sorry, we did'nt get the pics up yet! We did scan them in Dunedin, however could not send them throught the office for complicated reasons. Uggg. We'll try again at home.
We were shocked to get word in Dunedin that My Grandma (Julies moms mom) was suddenly ill and did get a chance to call and say goodbye just 3 hours or so before she went to be with Jesus! I was so sad not to be there and there for my mom, but God worked it out for us to go home just in time for the funeral and viewing and to be with the family! Hows that for a Sovereign God who knows our thoughts and desires and had this all planned out! Im so thankful!
The funeral was today and we were blessed with amazing Spring weather, the fellowship of friends and family and the amazing blessing of knowing the godly heritage that she gave! What an inheritance! "How beautiful heaven must be"... I can only imagine! Randy gave a great message on the freedom and security we can have in Christ and the hope of eternity if we trust in him. It was powerful! Jeff, Candi, Marc and I sang (at the request of mom) and it was fun, but we did goof a bit... it was a tricky song, but everyone seemed to enjoy it anyway.... "Christ is my hope / Be still my soul... the hour is hastening on, when we shall be forever with the Lord. When disapointment grief and fear are past, sorrow forgot, loves purest joy restored. Be still my soul when change and tears are past, all safe and blessed we shall meet at last! (Hope we'll meet you there one day too!)
Sorry, we did'nt get the pics up yet! We did scan them in Dunedin, however could not send them throught the office for complicated reasons. Uggg. We'll try again at home.
We were shocked to get word in Dunedin that My Grandma (Julies moms mom) was suddenly ill and did get a chance to call and say goodbye just 3 hours or so before she went to be with Jesus! I was so sad not to be there and there for my mom, but God worked it out for us to go home just in time for the funeral and viewing and to be with the family! Hows that for a Sovereign God who knows our thoughts and desires and had this all planned out! Im so thankful!
The funeral was today and we were blessed with amazing Spring weather, the fellowship of friends and family and the amazing blessing of knowing the godly heritage that she gave! What an inheritance! "How beautiful heaven must be"... I can only imagine! Randy gave a great message on the freedom and security we can have in Christ and the hope of eternity if we trust in him. It was powerful! Jeff, Candi, Marc and I sang (at the request of mom) and it was fun, but we did goof a bit... it was a tricky song, but everyone seemed to enjoy it anyway.... "Christ is my hope / Be still my soul... the hour is hastening on, when we shall be forever with the Lord. When disapointment grief and fear are past, sorrow forgot, loves purest joy restored. Be still my soul when change and tears are past, all safe and blessed we shall meet at last! (Hope we'll meet you there one day too!)
Ok, so we managed to travel for 3-4 days and actually get out of Dunedin to see the amazing country of New Zealand! It was beautiful and more amazing the the post cards and Lord of the Rings epic, of course!
Sorry, we did'nt get the pics up yet! We did scan them in Dunedin, however could not send them throught the office for complicated reasons. Uggg. We'll try again at home.
We were shocked to get word in Dunedin that My Grandma (Julies moms mom) was suddenly ill and did get a chance to call and say goodbye just 3 hours or so before she went to be with Jesus! I was so sad not to be there and there for my mom, but God worked it out for us to go home just in time for the funeral and viewing and to be with the family! Hows that for a Sovereign God who knows our thoughts and desires and had this all planned out! Im so thankful!
The funeral was today and we were blessed with amazing Spring weather, the fellowship of friends and family and the amazing blessing of knowing the godly heritage that she gave! What an inheritance! "How beautiful heaven must be"... I can only imagine! Randy gave a great message on the freedom and security we can have in Christ and the hope of eternity if we trust in him. It was powerful! Jeff, Candi, Marc and I sang (at the request of mom) and it was fun, but we did goof a bit... it was a tricky song, but everyone seemed to enjoy it anyway.... "Christ is my hope / Be still my soul... the hour is hastening on, when we shall be forever with the Lord. When disapointment grief and fear are past, sorrow forgot, loves purest joy restored. Be still my soul when change and tears are past, all safe and blessed we shall meet at last! (Hope we'll meet you there one day too!)
Sorry, we did'nt get the pics up yet! We did scan them in Dunedin, however could not send them throught the office for complicated reasons. Uggg. We'll try again at home.
We were shocked to get word in Dunedin that My Grandma (Julies moms mom) was suddenly ill and did get a chance to call and say goodbye just 3 hours or so before she went to be with Jesus! I was so sad not to be there and there for my mom, but God worked it out for us to go home just in time for the funeral and viewing and to be with the family! Hows that for a Sovereign God who knows our thoughts and desires and had this all planned out! Im so thankful!
The funeral was today and we were blessed with amazing Spring weather, the fellowship of friends and family and the amazing blessing of knowing the godly heritage that she gave! What an inheritance! "How beautiful heaven must be"... I can only imagine! Randy gave a great message on the freedom and security we can have in Christ and the hope of eternity if we trust in him. It was powerful! Jeff, Candi, Marc and I sang (at the request of mom) and it was fun, but we did goof a bit... it was a tricky song, but everyone seemed to enjoy it anyway.... "Christ is my hope / Be still my soul... the hour is hastening on, when we shall be forever with the Lord. When disapointment grief and fear are past, sorrow forgot, loves purest joy restored. Be still my soul when change and tears are past, all safe and blessed we shall meet at last! (Hope we'll meet you there one day too!)
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