Linda M. Ingoglia

May 15, 2008
My Aunt Linda, my godmother, has passed away on Saturday. I got the text 2:30am my time. "Linda went to be with Jesus". She had been fighting brain and lung cancer for over a year. She moved to Charleston from NY, NY a couple of months ago so that my Mom could take care of her during her recovery. Linda went through radiation and chemo and physical therapy because of the harsh treatments. She was doing really well and the tumours were shrinking. She has been in the prayers of many and her own faith grew.

In the last few weeks her health has taken a turn. The cancer spread to her bones and she went into hospice in Mt. Pleasant.

My mother is being incredibly strong and supporting everyone. My Grandmother, Aunt Janet and cousin arrived in Charleston to be with my Aunt Linda and say their goodbyes. I said my goodbyes over the phone. I'm going to be flying to NY to attend the funeral.

We are a family in mourning. My Aunt is an incredible, independent, funny, strong, kind, sensitive, beautiful, wonderful, gifted, intelligent woman. Her body was just too tired to keep fighting the disease. It seems God's answer to our prayers was to allow her to stop fighting and be free.

The doctors kept her as comfortable as possible, she wasn't conscious. She responded when she heard my Grandmother's voice. She even squeezed my brother's hand. Every memory that has recently flooded back involving Linda has been a happy and good one. She has greatly impacted who I am today. There isn't anyone in our extended family that hasn't been touched by Linda in the most lovely way - everyone who has known her will greatly miss her. I will miss her laugh and sound effects. I will miss is generosity and kindness. When I was a little girl and spent the summers with my Grandparents (my heaven on earth) I shared a bedroom with my Auntie. She'd pick out my clothes and pull my hair into pigtails. We'd go to the beach and county fairs and sometimes I even got to go to work with her. One work day especially stand out. She picked out matching white tops, denim skirts and sandals. We were dressed and ready to commute into the city. Off I marched next to my Auntie, I was a little nervous, but mostly I was proud. We caught the express bus from the Bronx to Manhattan - then we made the loooong elevator trip up to her office at ABC radio. Since we were at work, I had some typing to do. Knowing that my mother was a fan of Tom Sellek, Linda gave me a glossy 8x10 press shot of him to send home. I can't recall who it was that decided that the photo should be from Tom himself, but I set to work at my Auntie's secretary's typewriter - that's right we didn't use computers & printers back in the 80s - we were old skool. I couldn't handwrite the letter because my Mom was sure to recognise my 7 year old's scrawl. I was sure that if I typed it, there would have been noooo way she could tell the difference. I can remember one bit in particular, it went something like "This is Tom...please don't laugh at my spelling". After my busy day of signing autographs as Tom Sellek we were off to the Central Park Zoo. I got a balloon and ice cream by the way. No matter what I did with my Auntie, it was always the best day. It didn't matter if we were spending the weekend in Poughkeepsie, getting ice cream sundaes at the Black Whale, attending Broadway musicals, sitting in the sand at Jone's Beach, or watching the Honeymooners - it was always, always the best. It was my Auntie Linda that first introduced me to the country of Great Britain, Monty Python & proper tea. It was my Auntie Linda that let me listen to all of her vinyl...well, I wasn't really allowed to touch The Beatles albums...She introduced me to Dorothy Gale who went over the rainbow and off to see a wizard. She taught me so much and I'll never forget any of it. I love her deeply. I can't believe I won't be heading to her apartment once I arrive in NY.
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it's been pure ages!

May 06, 2007
I realise I've been very slack in writing. It's not that I've not written at all, I've just written elsewhere, so don't worry.
Thanks to everyone that's been contacting me via email after finding me through google. I get all sorts of interesting emails. People asking questions about Scotland, asking about travel & even asking if we're related. I guess if you type "Lowther" into google you get me. Evidently you get me if you type all sorts into google...it's a bit disconcerting....but at least it's given me the chance to speak to loads of new and interesting people and to pretend that I am a fountain of knowledge.
I will return soon enough with some more exciting exploits :)
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December 20, 2006
Over a month ago my mother and I set off in our little hired silver car first to Edinburgh and then up towards the highlands. We learned some lessons about booking before you arrive rather than driving around trying to find a B&B open in winter.
We sampled many traditional breakfasts at many B&Bs that were in fact open in winter. I learned that I do not in fact like orange marmalade.
The experience of returning to Inverness for the first time in nearly 3 years was lovely. I was reminded of the goodness of this land. I don't know how to explain it properly, I apologise for my sloppy words...but driving the roads through the mountains, beside lochs, through valleys, along moors revived my affection for this country. It's rich in so much, rich in a colorful history. Scottish history alone is enough to occupy someone for years. Rich in culture. Rich is kindness and generosity. Rich is beauty. Rich is gifts and talents. What a remarkable place this is. My love of Glasgow has never wained in the least bit, if anything my appreciation of it has grown. Going into Glasgow today after our travels was like coming home. I can't get enough!
From Scotland we headed down to Chester/Manchester, a lovely, lovely part of the world. We flew from Manchester to Dublin to meet up with my Auntie, what fun! I do not understand the Dublin accent, it may as well have been Russian. I will have to go back sometime after studying the language. People say that Glaswegians are difficult to understand...HA! I went on a bus tour there too, but all I understood was the songs Loch Lomond and "You canny throw your Granny offa bus!!!" Back to Manchester after Dublin, we shortly departed for Wales. We spend a couple of days in a place called Betws-y-Coed, it's gorgeous, you should go sometime.
There is so much to tell, I could fill hours with all of the stories and details, but I'll spare you.

At the moment I'm sitting back in the office in Paisley. Today itself has been quite eventful. I had an appointment with an Immigration attorney/solicitor. I was so nervous that I could hardly sleep last night. I had no reason to be nervous at all. Maybe I should back up just a short while and tell you that I'd contacted an attorney who came to this base on a short term mission trip in July. He contacted an attorney that he knows in Glasgow. They referred me to a third attorney, and finally I was given the name of the woman I met with today! I wouldn't say "the Lord works in mysterious ways" suits this particular story, perhaps it's more along the lines of grand design. I never would have been able to find this solicitor if it had not been for the Texan attorney whom I picked up at the train station this summer. The reason a solicitor is necessary in the first place is because of all of the recent changes in my life and work, my application for visa renewal will be very complicated. I don't know about you, but I don't have the first clue about the UK Home Office. Not only will Grace McGill represent me, but she may be able to represent me for free! It will depend on the board of legal aid (please pray for full aid!!). How amazing is this?!
I am over the moon! I must admit that I feel like a jerk. Do you doubt and fret and worry like I do? I am a terrible worrier. When will I ever learn that God is in complete control and that His desire is to prosper me and not to harm me.
This entire experience has been a lesson in God's ability and desire to provide. In everything that I've worried about, He's made a way. I wrestled with what path to take, God made a clear way. I've stressed myself out over my visa renewal, and God made a very easy and painless way. I cried because I didn't know how I would be able to get a flat and enter into the next chapter of my story here in Scotland, God has provided more finances. Someone has even given me a tea set for the flat that I don't yet have. I was scared because I didn't know what ministry I could have outside of YWAM, and God has given me another with the same young people I've been with for the past 2 years.
Time and time and time again, the same. I worry, I fret, I cry, God provides. He is not jarred or disappointed by my tears. He knows. He understands. He is gracious. He is more than generous. You see, all of the things that are unfolding now are things that have been the cry of my heart. He knew the time.

I am at peace. I will rest very well tonight. Thank you for praying for me, thank you so much. We're seeing fruit of the labor.

I have lots of homework to do for the attorney so I'd better get to it.

Goodnight and Merry Christmas if I don't speak to you before :)

In His grace,
Felicia
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my list of places to go before i die.

November 10, 2006
in no particular order:

India

Nepal

Japan

Egypt

China

Thailand

back to Africa

I'd like to drive a vintage car on route 66

there are more i'm sure, but this will do for now.
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in case you didn't get the email.

November 10, 2006
My friend,

I have some big news to share with you.
A week ago today, after prayer and the blessing of my base leader and direct line leaders, I amiably parted ways with the King's Kids ministry that I've been here serving.
The week before, nearly a month ago now, we'd all attended the YWAM Scotland national conference. The speaker spoke about identity and destiny and calling. We also heard from our national leader. I know that both men brought the word of the Lord to us. It was exciting and powerfully moving.
After the first night of the conference I had an urgency, I felt a release, I felt the "it's OK now". I was prepared to fulfill my two year commitment to King's Kids if that is what God my leadership expected of me. But it seems that was not the expectation of either.
I spoke to some friends and asked for their prayers. I went away for a short vacation to England and upon my return to Paisley, the actual very second my train pulled into the station in Paisley, I got a text from my base leader saying that he'd been talking to my leaders about the future of the ministry, could we meet. At that moment I knew! I immediately felt this heavy burden lift from my chest.
The next morning I met with my base leader and we discussed some of the issues that were there. We discussed whether or not there could be a future for me in King's Kids. I was so encouraged by the meeting. My base leader was worried that it would be a painful discussion for me, but to the contrary, I was excited. I have the 100% support of my base leader. We prayed together and both felt that this was the time for release. The timing seems to be really good as well, if not perfect.
That same evening we all met together, the base leader, my line leaders and myself. My base leader covered me and spoke on my behalf. In that meeting I was prayed out of King's Kids and released into whatever God has for my future. I'm still in YWAM Scotland for the time being. My mother arrives in 11 days for a 5 week visit, and then it's Christmas!
After the holidays I will meet with my base leader again to discuss where I'm headed.
My visa is up for renewal in February, so I need to have direction before then.
I've spent some of the last week talking to people and pursuing Immigration Advisory Services. I want to be well educated on what options are available to me. I've also spent the last week "debriefing" (talking through the past year and a half with a counselor type person), and beinning to say goodbye to the youth - at least in the ministry sense.

The very strong desire of my heart is to remain here in Scotland. After 5 years I can apply for "settlement". My first year's visa does not count towards that, but my second year does. So about 4 years to go! I know that Scotland is where I am called. I do not believe that being a member of YWAM staff is in my future however.
Since arriving here I've been drawn to the community, living and being amongst the people. It seems that this may be my next step. I will hopefully be getting a flat with a friend in Glasgow and getting as involved in as many local things as I can. Walking with, talking with and breaking bread with people in a real and "normal" way, that is my desire. I would also very much like to delve into the local arts community. There are a thousand and one possibilities for my future, but only 2 or 3 ways that I'll be able to stay in the country legally. So there is my greatest challenge and worry if I'm honest.
I know that God has a plan and that He is working things out, but it's a scary place to not know. I am very happy that I'm "not knowing" here in Scotland and not somewhere not knowing how I'll ever get back the Scotland. Wouldn't it be nice if we could just snap our fingers or click our heels together three times and everything would be instantly sorted, I think that'd be swell. Since we do not live in a land somewhere over the rainbow called Oz, there are things to be done, monies to be raised, documents to be filled out, visas to be applied for, apartments to be found and so on. I am excited and overwhelmed.

I will be very open with you, I need your help. I need your prayers and encouragement and I need money. I need money to be able to apply for my visa extension/switch, it costs £336, nearly $700! I need money to be able to afford a place to live once it is time for me to leave YWAM. This whole time I've been here in Scotland, I have never gone without. I have had to dip into my savings from time to time but I've always had food and shelter and clothes. I have even been able to travel to see and get meals with my friends when they have come to visit. It's amazing. It also takes your help. Paul from the bible relied on people to support him financially so that he could travel all over and disciple people. "Them's there are the facts". If you are not able to give money, please tell someone else about me and what I'm doing so that they might have an opportunity to give. Every dollar or pound makes a difference.

If you would like to make a financial contribution, here's how:

Please make checks/cheques payable to YWAM.

For tax purposes do not put my name anywhere on the check/cheque, not even in the memo line, but enclose a separate card requesting that YWAM make a donation to Felicia Lowther.

Please send to:

YWAM
Accounting Department
P.O. Box 3000
Garden Valley, TX
75771-3000
USA

Thank you for being so very generous to me whether financially, prayerfully, through emails or even real post, you've made my stepping out into my destiny possible.

Please do write back if you would like to or need to know more. Thank you for taking the time to read through this looong email :)
Here but by the grace of God go I,
Love,
Felicia
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staff conference time.

October 23, 2006
I'm sure most of you will have heard the delirious song Shout to the North. If you haven't the chorus goes like this:

"Shout to the North and the South Sing to the East and the West Jesus is saviour to all Lord of heaven and earth"

That's what comes to mind when I think about all of YWAM Scotland coming together in one place. This time we gathered for a staff conference at Seamill, my old Alma Mater.
Teams from the north, well most north in YWAM, Abroath. A team travelled from the south, the Borders. From the east - those of us from Paisley. The west gave us Dundee and Edinburgh. Bringing in the center was the thriving team from Stirling!
Only five years ago there were only three bases in YWAM Scotland, now the map is full of pins marking the spots where Youth With A Mission have gone to serve.
Now, for you morning people there is no doubt that you will scoff at me, but to me waking up at 7 am on a Saturday morning is as welcome as a trip to the dentist.
In no time we were all polished, scrubbed, filled with caffeine and loaded into the rusting Ford Transit van aka "The Wan". The Wan shook, rattled and rolled all the way over the Braes and through the country side.

Now that I've been a staff member for nearly 2 years, I've grown acquainted with most of the faces from most of the bases. We all gather corporately two to three times a year, so lots changes in that time. People get married, children are born, children grow, staff joins, staff leaves...and so on.
Although many things change, certain things do remain the same. Those who gather love Scotland and the Scottish people. They have devoted their lives and sacrificed a great deal to come here to serve and care for those whom they love.
Meeting together stokes the embers of passion that may be growing cold because the task is not easy. I would struggle to express what an encouragement it is pray together, worship together, laugh and cry together. It's an encouragement to swap stories, even just to know that you're not the only one who gets homesick.

We are privileged to have a man called Ken McGreavy a friend. Mr. McGreavy has been involved in full time ministry for over 35 years, and has ministered in 30 different nations. In September 2000 he founded Amen Ministries, whose passion and purpose is the supporting, equipping and mentoring of leaders and leadership teams. Saturday Mr. McGreavy spoke to us about the stories of Elisha. I took six pages of notes, and that was only the first session. That afternoon a group of musicians and dancers from throughout Polynesia called Island Breeze shared their beauty with us.

The over all theme of the weekend was destiny. "What is our destiny?" and "how does it come to pass?". I just started a new journal, and I'm going to have to move on to a new one shortly!
I'm a visionary, so talk of vision and destiny is like sugar to a sweet tooth. I can't get enough of it. I could go on dreaming and imagining the possibilities for days and never grow tired of it. I was personally challenged to look at how I view my identity. Ken shared with us that "unless we are sure of our identity, we will probably not fulfill our destiny". Please let me know if you are interesting in more details, it really is brilliant stuff.

In line with discussion of destiny, our National Leader Andy Hall spoke before us for what will be the last time, he will be stepping down from his position in December. Although it is sad to see him step down, it is exciting to know that he's not leaving Scotland. He has too much of vision of God's heart for this country. He is too passionate about seeing the Scots come into their own destiny to walk away from a country that has taken hold of his own heart. He spoke to us about promise and possession of the promise. I took another six pages of notes there too.

I am excited, inspired and overwhelmed. We like to use the term "process" a lot here. I am going to take quite a bit of time to process all that I took in this weekend. For now, most of that will be done with my eyes closed. I am exhausted!

This coming week I have staff meetings Monday and Tuesday and after my meeting on Tuesday I am headed down to Chester in England for a mini-break. I am so looking forward to some pampering, rest and relaxation. I'm sure I will do some serious processing whilst wearing a facial mask and watching some episodes of Alan Partridge :)

It's not long til my mother arrives either! Less than a month! The holidays will be here in no time at all! Where does all the time go?

Thank you very much for continued support and prayer. Thank you for taking the time to read this update.
If you have the time, I'd really appreciate hearing back from you. I'm also very happy to answer any questions you may have.

"May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face;
the rains fall soft upon your fields
and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand."

Love,
F
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You know your a true scot if...................

October 20, 2006
1. Ye can properly pronounce McConnochie, Ecclefechan, Milngavie, Sauchiehall Street, St Enoch, Auchtermuchty and Aufurfuksake.

2. Ye actually like deep fried battered pizza fae the chippie.

3. Yer used tae four seasons in wan day.

4. Ye canna pass a chip/kebab shop withoot sleverin when yer blootert.

5. Ye kin fall about pished withoot spilling yer drink.

6. Ye see people wearin shell suits with burberry accessories - pure class!

7. Ye measure distance in minutes.

8. Ye kin understaun Rab C Nesbitt and know characters just like him, in yer ain family.

9. Ye go tae Saltcoats cos ye think it is like gaun tae the ocean.

10. Ye kin make hael sentences jist wae sweer wurds.

11. Ye know whit haggis is made ae and stull like eating it.

12. Somedy ye know his used a fitba schedule tae plan thur wedding day date.

13. You've been at a wedding and fitba scores are announced in the Church/Chapel.

14. Ye urny surprised tae find curries, pizzas,kebabs, fish n chips, iron-bru, fags and nappies all in the wan shop.

15. Yer holiday home at the seaside has calor gas under it.

16. Ye know irn-bru is a hangover cure.

17. Ye learnt tae sweer afore ye learnt tae dae sums.

18. Ye actually understand this and yurr gonnae send it tae yer pals .

19. Finally, you are 100% Scot if you have ever said/heard these words;

how's it hingin?
clatty
boggin
cludgie
pished
get it up ye
wee beasties
erse bandit
amurny
away an' bile yer heid
peely-wally
humphey backit
Ba'-heid
baw bag
dubble nugget
gonnaegeeze
eejit
oxters
clootie dumpling
och aye
naw
nae bother
the lurgy


And finally......
A wee Glesga wumman goes intae a butchershop, where the butcher has just came oot the freezer, and is standing haunds ahint his back, with his erse aimed at an electric fire.The wee wumman checks oot the display case then asks,"Is that yer Ayrshire bacon?" "Naw," replies the butcher. "It's jist ma haun's ah'm heatin'.
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and in other news...

September 26, 2006
In October I will be travelling to Edinburgh to meet with the YWAM staff. We're gonna pray together and talk art. I'm quite excited. Only I'd like to bring what they do over here to the West, to Glasgow.
Let's see...then I have a short break and I'm going to dash down to Cheshire to visit a friend.
Then it will be November! And my Mom will arrive around the 20th. I'll be on holiday with her until mid-December. When we get back we have the last few clubs going on, so we'll have Christmas parties wae weans!!!! The 5-7s Christmas party is SO much fun. They play traditional games like pass the parcel. They go bananas. It's so fun.
Please pray that it would be clear to me what my next step is. I have to apply for a visa extension by February. Times tickin down! I do believe that I'm meant to stay here, but that's all that's clear so far. Thank you!
Bye for now :)
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what? october almost?

September 26, 2006
It's utterly incredible. This month is zooming by! We're getting back into routine and starting new projects. I am over the moon to announce that I will be leading a small group for over 16s!!!
I'll also be meeting weekly with one of our students that is now an "adult". I'm really looking forward to these times of fellowship and discipleship. When fleshed out fellowship and discipleship are just words to describe different forms of relationships.
Relationships are key. They are the key in my opinion. The key to hearts and lives being unlocked, destinies realised, hope found, shoulders to cry on, finding those people you call first. Isn't that what we all desire so much? We long for there to be a person or people in our lives that we can pick up the phone and call. We want them to call us too.
We wanna share our lives. I think it's just that simple. We can not live our lives alone.
Now, discipleship. That's a bit different isn't it. It's is more about intentional guidance, or so I've been told. But what does that really look like? I'm not entirely sure. But from what I can tell Jesus is a pretty good example of how to disciple people. It was Jesus who told us to "go and make disciples of all nations" after all. So, here I am. Over the past nearly 2 years I've built relationships with young people. So.....
Jesus is our example. I like how he was with his disciples. I can imagine that he laughed a lot. Especially at some of the things Peter would come out with. Jesus was SO patient. He always knew the right thing to say at the right time. I wonder if he ever felt like, "man, this is such a big responsibility, and these guys are always messing up". It seems to me that he must have cried for his disciples as much as he laughed with and at them. We can not imagine his love.
I can not imagine his patience. I was thinking last night, how did he put up with and still love Judas and Peter all the while knowing that they would betray him.
I’ve gone off on one of my rabbit trails…….

All of that was to say that I’m going to be spending Thursday nights with older teenagers. I don’t know what in the heck we’re gonna do, but we’ll be hanging out together. Sharing life experiences. Doin our thing. I’m looking forward to it.
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what?! september already!

September 08, 2006
How does time go by so quickly! I guess that's when you know you're either really busy, or having a whole lotta fun.
Well. Over the past 3 days the King's Kids staff, to remind you Heather, Esther, Beth and myself, have been meeting from 10am - 9:30 pm to pray and plan for the upcoming year. We've done a bit more than just meeting for all of that time. The first day we went out for lunch. Then the next evening I made a roast chicken with roast vegetables and we watched Steel Magnolias. Today we spent the afternoon in Tchaiavana sipping Dragon Eye tea, High Mountain Oolong, and Dhesi Chai (my personal fave). After mass consumption of sweet teas it was off to dig through the piles of books in the shop next door. I had hoped the familiar black and white feline would make an appearance, but it did not. I did not leave disappointed, I at long last am the proud owner of a copy of The Motorcycle Diaries. I've been contemplating a purchase of said book for nearly two years now. Wanna know the best part? It only cost £1.60!

After the play, it was time to get back to work. We still had a lot of planning to get through. We still didn't even make it. We've got our basic programs worked out, but now we're trying to decide who will do what. We're looking at people overseeing areas. The prospect of being a director of any area scares me to death. I am NOT a details person, especially on a larger scale. It makes me feel really stressed. I'm getting ahead of myself actually. We have until Tuesday to pray and ask God what He wants us to do personally. I know that He wants me to work with the over 16s. I feel really strongly about that. That's all I know. There might not be enough people to do everything...then what? And I don't want to say "I'll do it" just because there isn't someone else to do it. So if you read this and it's before Tuesday would you please pray that we'd all hear really clearly and do the right thing. It's a bit like AAAHHH!
It's been a bit, I still need to write about my holiday...all in good time my pretties.

love,
Felicia
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stirling.

August 13, 2006
we've just been to stirling....wallace monument...see?

  
awwwww!

           

           

        
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July 25, 2006
May I just say that I didn't think that people actually said "howdy" and meant it. I thought people just kinda said it when they were tryin to be funny. Today, my perception of the false "howdy" was shattered.

A team from El Paso arrived at Stanely House this afternoon. I will be spending this next week with 5 lovely ladies. We had our first team meeting this evening. Most of them had been awake for 40 hours! Poor them. They have the morning off tomorrow. We'll meet at 10am. They get to sleep in because I'm their leader and I hate mornings too! But don't worry, I have to have them ready and briefed and out of the door Wednesday morning by 8:30, and I want to have a team time before that. I think I might be awake so early this week, that the last time I was awake at such an hour was because I had not yet gone to bed. Besides early mornings I am so looking forward to our time together.

Our first wide awake team meeting will take place over coffee, tea and maybe even some scones! Let's see how ambitious I am this evening ;)
I'm gonna tell them all about how wonderful Scotland is, and how dear the people are to God. My team will be spending time with asylum seekers and refugees. Bible studies and teachings and spending quality time. These women are embarking on, for some of them, their very first missions experience. To HERE! This place! And they ended up with me as their leader!!!! I have to tell you, I feel quite humbled and a bit overwhelmed by the responsibility of guiding these women to and from the events, the ministry opportunities, that they have spent months planning and preparing for. And....I'm not a details person, if you know what I mean. I have a list of important questions that need answers that I didn't even consider! They are very patient even in their exhaustion. Women raised in the South are indeed as gracious as you may have heard.

So yeah, there is a bit of time off from the trips to the beach and parks and cities to spend some time st-r-e-e-e-e-t-c-h-ing into some new and somewhat uncomfortable areas. I like it though. I think I thrive when I'm challenged. I think I need to get in over my head to find out that I can do things, that's not exactly what I mean....I need things in my life that are beyond my capabilities in order to see God move in and through and around me. It's so very easy to just get through life. To just do it. Not actually live it. Life can be really interesting and exciting and full, but...that's not how we live, at least, that's not how I live. As big a life as I want to live, I end up living a very small one, about the size of my bedroom. I can spend hours and hours in my room, especially if the house is empty and it's quiet. I don't even know what I do, sometimes watch movies, or some type of flog it show (that isn't anything dirty, even though it sounds like it, I promise), sometimes knit, sometimes write letters...but mostly I don't do anything. I find it difficult to find that passion that I am sometimes familiar with. It grows dozy and comfortable. That is not healthy for passion. It was meant to be wild and blazing. Today it was poked and prodded and riled. Today I remembered how much I love Scotland and how much I want to share that love with others. I want everyone to see the value that I see. I want everyone to appreciate those things that I appreciate. I want them to be moved and I want them to love and I want them to go home with Scotland in their hearts.

Tomorrow we set out on an adventure together. I am the one who is meant to walk a few steps ahead. I get to show them the things that I see. I get to reveal and describe the things that I love and appreciate. Together we will grow in love for one another, for this remarkable place and for these beautiful people.

Our personal encounters with the homeless, asylum seekers, refugees, young mothers, addicts, alcoholics, and other people that have grown accustomed to being overlooked begin tomorrow with a house group. On Wednesday we are preparing a Mexican meal for 40 - 50 people. Thursday, they'll once again be cooking a meal. Friday we will try to spend some time with people that the ladies may have met throughout the week. It'll be a whirlwind!

I like these women. I will learn their names. I appreciate the enthusiasm, grace, passion and care I have seen thus far in the very short time that I have spent with them. I'm looking forward to all of what will unfold day by day, except the waking up early bit. I never ever look forward to mornings...unless I've bribed myself with a Starbucks white chocolate mocha...then I might look forward to getting out of my warm bed. The thought of my warm bed is carrying me off to that place of sleepiness.....where all I want is a bowl of cereal and a bed time story about Tom Cat & Bob Cat or the adventures of Benny the Bear.

Tomorrow is a new day of discovery and rediscovery. I will need energy, so I will need sleep. I will sleep and I will write again later to tell tale of our adventures in Queen's Park.


Sweet dreams to you when sleepiness wins.
Good night x
Felicia.
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twins?

July 16, 2006

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the pride o'the clyde.

July 13, 2006
Yesterday our adventure began at St. Ninians church in Ferguslie Park, as many of our adventures begin.
9 wee people were clamouring for a seat in the car that would take them to the Gilmore St. train station. 2 trips were made and tickets purchased. 3 adults and 9 children were eagerly awaiting the arrival of the next train to Glasgow on platform 4.
Can you believe it?! We had some death defying acts of bravery with some 6 year old girls proving that they could indeed cross the safety line and get closer to the tracks! Gasp! AND THEN the Mars vending machine gave back £2.50 in change for a 50p coin!!!! WHOA!!!! Our day had barely begun and it was already nearly over the top!
Imagine if you can 9 5-7yr old people with tiny backpacks forcing their way through a crowded train. They just pushed their way passed, and because they'd made it on the train before a leader, they were on the loose! When they are in such a state of looseness they do not have the ability to hear or obey. Satisfactory seats were at last located and we sat down. The eleven minute train journey from Paisley to Glasgow was proving to create quite a hunger, so they all cracked into their lunches and were passing around minstrels (the chocolates, not musicians). Gosh. I'm still tired thinking about it...anyway, there's more.
Upon alighting from the train the wee people were put into a line with their partners and the fear of God was attempted to be struck into them, however...they do not fear God or speeding cars, or double decker buses, or strangers with candy, or drowning. Fear is not an effective tactic for control. Off we went through Glasgow Central Station and through the streets of Glasgow.
It is really amazing how being with children changes one's own perspective on the world. The streets were no longer familiar and we were no longer fancy free. The streets became full of dangers and drivers were all of a sudden maniacs!
The boat landing was only 2 blocks away, but the longest 2 blocks of my life. It was no time before we boarded "The Prid O'The Clyde"!



Did I mention it was COLD and misty, maybe about 60 degrees F. The boat ride itself is a bit of a blur. It lasted 30 min, most of that time was spent pulling children off of the ladder to the top deck and telling them to sit down and giving them their money to buy candy. I did hear bit of the history...something about Clyde Built ships...something about the titanic....something about the QE II. I dunno. I can tell you that the gummy snakes were 20p. That I do know.
The rest of the day went on pretty much the same. After the boat we spent 2.5 hrs at 2 different playgrounds. I was exhausted and if I never see another swing set it'll be too soon.
My next outing is the beac at Ayr with our teenagers. Yessssss. Sun, Sand, no weans, people who will not need to be walked to the toilet....what a dream! I just get to spend some quality time with the girls and tan til our heart's content. I'm sure we'll also eat chips and cotton candy and drink Irn Bru and hot chocolate. I think it sounds lovely.
I still need to tell you about our adventure in Edinburgh....I'll do that next time.
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no dancing.

July 09, 2006
just so you know. there was no dancing.
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danny and myra roy.

July 09, 2006
I got to wear my dress today.
Danny and Myra are married .

This was the first Scottish wedding I've been to. It was so laid back and alotta fun.
Danny and Bill and wee Calum looked very smart in their kilts. Myra was a glowing bride. She was so happy. For whatever reason, Danny never looked back as she entered the church and walked up the aisle. I dunno if that is tradition, or if he just really wanted to be surprised. When she finally took her place by his side he made sure to give her the once over - head to toe. She cried when they said their vows. She cried when they turned to look at each other *sigh* so sweet. After Danny had given his vows their little daughter Nichola clapped her hands and shouted "YAAAAAAAAAAAY!!!!!".
Good stuff.
It was a sweet sweet service, I really enjoyed it.
Now I'm home again because between the ceremony and reception, there is a dinner. That's usually reserved for the close friends and family. I'll be headed back down in a couple of hours to the "disco" oh dear. I only dance in the shower and in the privacy of my room, not infront of strangers I'll have you know.

I only got a few photos because the silly batteries that I went all the way to town for are not strong enough to power my silly camera. pffft.

I still managed a few shots. I'll have to post those a bit later on, they need to be resized. ttfn.
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a dress.

July 05, 2006
today i went shopping. i am not usually allowed to do that. BUT, since some friends are getting married tomorrow and i didn't actually have anything to wear, i got a dress. and it was on sale. and it was the only one left. and it was my size. and i like it.


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