Bits of Rough: Mountain days and blessings abound.

Life has been CRAZY lately. Every since getting back from Derbyshire my schedule has been quite busy and I have been going non-stop. I had a couple days off before returning to work from Friday to Wednesday straight. It's all good. It just means I get to spend loads of time at the House (hostel), which I love dearly. I had the realization yesterday that I will dearly miss this place when I'm gone. Especially the House.

In my time off before getting back to work, my flatmate, Irina, gave me an amazing opportunity.

"Amanda, I have an offer for you."
"What's that?"
"On Wednesday, Jamie and Jay are going to the Highlands and I wanted to know if you'd like to switch shifts since I've already been there."
"Irina, are you sure?! You really don't have to do that."
"Yes, I'm sure! You should go."

Well, the next time Irina is invited to go on a hill walk in the highlands, I am forcing her to go, though this incredibly kind gesture was so incredible. Needless to say, I finally got to go to the Highlands and I intend to go back.

A hill walk in Scotland is what we'd call hiking through the mountains in the States. No, the mountains aren't quite as tall, but holy buckets they are beautiful. Along with the views, the Autumn colors were out of this world. So on Wednesday morning, I got on a train to meet Jamie and Jay (two co-workers) at Jamie's house for a cuppa and to drive out to the Highlands. As we were in the car, I immediately regretted that I put my camera in the trunk (or boot, in Scotland). Even the scenery from the seat of the car was gorgeous! Ah, I was SO excited. I don't think you could have wiped the smile from my face.

We hiked on a trail called Ben Ledi. It was a smooth climb to the top of a mountain that mingled with the clouds. And let me tell you, the day was perfect-blue skies and NO rain.

As I stood at the top, my mind rushed to memories of Montana and I thought, "I feel like me." What a comfort. What an opportunity. I looked around me and realized that I had so very much to be thankful for and that I was on an adventure. So cool. Also, a quote from John Muir came to mind: "Who gains the blessings of one mountain day; whatever his fate, long life, short life, stormy or calm, he is rich forever." This is so very true for me. To think that I have had the blessing of numerous and many mountains days.

We made our descent back to the car. On the drive home we stopped at Bracklinn Falls because Jay LOVES waterfalls. I am so very glad that we did. It was beautiful and I could not get enough of the leaves and water and rock. Turns out I truly am a Nature Junkie and I am not ashamed. :)

In the car on the way home, I couldn't really hold back tears of gratitude (which Jay and Jamie don't know about. haha). I felt so great. After having my fair share of struggles here and dealing with much, I finally feel as though I'm here in this place, completely present. Yes, I miss my family and friends every day, but this place has become somewhere that I love. Truly.

And after having a mountain day, I returned to work excited and ready. I had time to reflect over the past month and a half or so and I had realized just how much I have learned about myself already and the challenges I've faced so far. Also, I've come to realize just how hard "being" is. Especially coming from a "doing" society. Yes, there are daily tasks I have to do, but that isn't the point. Honestly, it's in the moments when I'm sitting up in the flats watching a movie with the guys and talking or am at devotions or just in the office with the staff that I find the most enjoyment. That isn't to say that doing flat cleaning checks isn't something I enjoy ;).

This place and these people are something special. I truly, am rich and full of blessings.

Here are a couple pictures from out hill walk: