So it's been about 5 days since I've landed in Glasgow, Scotland and I can't believe it~ it feels a bit surreal to be here! Lots has happened since then...new faces, new places, new food~ all in all I'm very thankful to God that He made a way for me to be here and have this experience.
Here are some of the highlights from the past couple days (pics made possible by the lovely camera given to me by my family...thanks guys! :D )
Scotland is truly a beautiful country, a bit damp, but beautiful :) This is my campus!!
So let's start:
Saturday, February 12th- I arrived to Stirling and moved into my flat.... it's become my little home away from home! :)
 |
| flat no.5 :) |
 | |||
| my bed + desk..oh and can u spot Gracie?? :D |
 |
| already tried to decorate with pics + cards from home :) |
 |
| my closet |
Sunday, February 13th- Went into town with some new friends! Nora, Kaylin and Staci and checked out some parts of Stirling. Went to TESCO (like costcos/bjs) and loaded up on some very needed groceries--- mama, u would be proud of me, i looked for the sales :) Plus, we visited Stirling Baptist Church which i'm definitely looking forward to visiting again this Sunday.
Feb 14-15th- some long but very useful orientation sessions... was able to explore campus more and get to know my flatmates. Two are from Scotland, one is from Australia, and the other is from Maine! the guys and gals of Flat 5/4/1 are great :)
Wednesday, February 16th- I was able to visit Dublane Cathedral, one of the few surviving medieval churches of Scotland~ it dates back to the 12th century! Also visited Stirling Castle which had stunning views to the city. Met the Provost of Stirling (sort of like the mayor back home) who hosted a reception in his building for the international students at University of Stirling!
 |
| me + staci at the doors to the cathedral :] |
| ||||
Though I don't have a picture of it for proof, I actually cooked my first legitimate dinner last night~ chicken with stir fried vegetables and rice! And it was quite delicious if I do say so myself ;) But oh, what I would do for some of my mom's empanadas rite now or a bowl of her sopita de pollo! :/ I do have to say though, last night was definitely an improvement from this:
 |
| "dinner" made by a very tired person after a long journey to Scotland, oh and with some animal crackers on the side, lol! |
And just thought I would throw in these last two pictures..this is my new favorite snack here. I'm definitely bringing lots of these back to the states!
And, though many people have told me there are lots of sheep here in Scotland, I didn't really believe it until I saw it today! They're all over the place! :D
 |
| i quickly snapped a pic for proof! :) |
Though I feel like I'm still getting used to life here, classes start tomorrow whether I'm ready or not! ;) I'm excited tho, I'm taking three modules this semester (modules = courses): Foundations of Language, Writing and Language and Writing and Identity. All seem pretty interesting~ by Friday I will have to be done with Shakespeare's Coriolanus-- I'll update you with how that went in my next entry ;)
Though many changes have come and though homesickness may kick in sometimes, I'm always comforted by God's presence~ He is with me no matter where I go. Reminds me of Psalm 139~
"Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,
even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast."
..."the anchor that holds is the wisdom of the cross"...
Though many changes have come and though homesickness may kick in sometimes, I'm always comforted by God's presence~ He is with me no matter where I go. Reminds me of Psalm 139~
"Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,
even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast."
..."the anchor that holds is the wisdom of the cross"...
God is what holds me together no matter where I am or what I'm feeling/facing. He's with me in this journey called "life." That's so amazing to know :)
"My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." Psalm 73:26
I'll be posting weekly so stay tunedd!! :D
love always from Stirling,
Amanda
I'll be posting weekly so stay tunedd!! :D
love always from Stirling,
Amanda
 | |||
