semester in scotlandKatie Black
My eyelids pry themselves open to the blare of some, as yet unlabelled, radio station that plays the genre spread from ‘classic rock to Britney Spears’, neither the best to be awakened to at 7.30 in the morning. The fumble for my glasses, staggering to the alarm clock, and the slamming of the ‘off’ button are all signs that the day has begun for Geneva students in Airdrie, Scotland.
After some considerable bumbling and rushing, I and my two fellow Genevans, Sharon and Michelle, ankle it round to the church to arrive always promptly at 9am. Arriving also from his flat is the Genevan Ben. Simon Sweeney reads a psalm and leads in prayer to open the day. From 9.00 to 3ish there is much reading, the occasional droopy eyes, a tea break at 11.00, and lunch at 1.00 to which we all gather, joined at times by Beth or Rev. Quigley.
Following lunch on Mondays, Rev. Quigley leads in discussion of two of our books: Foundations of the Christian Faith and The Purpose Driven Life. Simon leads the discussion on The Westminster Confession of Faith on Tuesday afternoons. Discussions are good to keep us on track of our reading and offer a chance for asking questions, answering questions, and sharing insights about said books. Some of the books have quite weighty theology that takes more than the casual skimming to comprehend, but it is well worth it, for when the light bulb finally clicks on, it illuminates the aspects and attributes of God in a new and deeper way. To sit in the church hall, book in hand, and say to yourself, ‘God is _________. I never thought of Him like that’, to be able to gain new Biblical dimensions to whatever figure of God you had in the past is a humbling and joyful experience.
I can honestly say I have never been so warmly welcomed and felt such a genuine expression of caring as the Airdrie church has shown to me and my fellow students. |
But never let it be said that we Geneva students are mere brilliant intellectuals. I doubt that has been ever said about me, but let me disprove it anyway (not the ‘brilliant’, just the ‘mere’). Wednesday the day ends at lunch leaving the door open for sitting quietly contemplating a toaster’s magic of turning bread into toast or a day of exploring. As much as I love toast, I’m thankful for the many people of the church who have stepped forward planning outings and offering to play the grand guide. From besieging Stirling Castle to culture at the Burrell Collection, all thanks to the generous folk who offer their time to us, we have gratefully enjoyed being able to explore Scotland in proper fashion.
I can not close without expressing the great blessing all the people at church have been. From Sunday lunches and teas, to surprising us at lunch time with soups and other such goodies, to giving time to take us touring, I can honestly say I have never been so warmly welcomed and felt such a genuine expression of caring as the Airdrie church has shown to me and my fellow students.