1) Things at the House has been hopping and busy as per usual. Every time someone asks me how it is going and if I'm still enjoying it, I have a hard time finding the right words to express just how much I love and adore my job. As I wrote that last sentence, I felt a huge grin stretch across my face and that is what others have said, "Well, you don't need to find the words, because your face lights up when you talk about it!" Seriously, you guys, I have been so blessed. Yes, my job can be heartbreaking and challenging, but all in all, I have been given the privilege to meet so many amazing people who have persevered through much and come from all walks of life. And with that, I get to laugh all day long, finding simple joys.
This past Monday, the three volunteers and an Admin worker were able to bring some of the residents to see the pantomime production of Cinderella. If you're not sure what a pantomime is, in simple terms it's a musical/theatre/comedy short of show where often men play women characters and such, I believe. Well, this one wasn't a traditional pantomime, but it was a good time for sure! The story had a bit of a different ending, but that's not important. What is important is the fact that this outing enabled us to be with residents in a completely different setting from the hostel. I was able to hear whether or not the guys had been in drama or theatre before and what their interest was in it. That may not have necessarily been a topic is discussion in the house. Getting out of the normal environment allowed to deeper relationships to form. It was seriously cool and a fun, free night out for all of us. Events like this happen every once in a while, but should happen more often. We can do things like movie nights, hill walks, etc. Tomorrow, for St. Andrew's Day, the castle is open for free, so the staff will take some of the guys up there who are interested. Cool, huh?!
2) St. Paul's and St. George's Episcopal Church or P's and G's. I've joined a new church. I found that I wasn't getting spiritually fed from the Baptist church along with other things and P's and G's is actually quite similar to my Lutheran church at home. It's not that that Baptist church was bad, but just not for me. So when Janet, my flatmate, suggested coming with her to P's and G's, I decided to give it a go. At P's and G's, I remember my first service: my eyes welled up numerous times with small reminders of home such as Holy Communion and the Lord's Prayer as well as much of the liturgy. That and I met the coolest couple ever. Judie and Matt sat next to me and we ended up chatting over coffee after the service. They're quite close to my age and I get on with them quite well, plus Judie has been kind enough to include me often and invite me over to her flat for snack, mulled wine (SO GOOD), and socializing. Also, I've started to meet lots of people at the church and get involved. This next weekend there is a Beer and Carols event for the men of the church (my dad will be envious as he reads this). They get together, eat cheese and snacks, drink beer, and sing Christmas carols. This will be the second time and they sent out an email asking for volunteers to help serve. Well, this girl has offered to help because 1) I want to witness these men participate because I think it will be such fun 2) It will be a great way to meet more people 3) It is a good way to get involved. I'm super excited for it. So needless to say, I am loving this church and the people in it. Good things come in time.
3) My two flatmates are seriously awesome. One thing I love is that typically, no matter we're doing, once everyone is home for the evening we end up having a small debriefing time together. It's very informal, but seems to happen almost every single day and usually starts off with, "So how was your day?" We've all sat around the kitchen table for a couple hours and with a cup of tea in hand. There have been many laughs and even tears as we've talked about struggles we're having or little joys of the day or when we're losing our patience with something. I look forward to this time, though it can keep me up later than I had planned, but really, it is an important time for each of us individually and as flatmates. Plus, as I showed earlier, they were absolutely lovely and made Thanksgiving incredibly special.
4) Princes Street is now full of excitement and lights! I mean, it's always busy with people, but this is an especially busy time of year with the Christmas decorations! There is basically a carnival with a ferris wheel, ice skating rink, carousel, and many more fun things. There is also a little German market with cute, little stalls of goodies as well as the huge Christmas tree in the city centre that Edinburgh receives from Norway each year (this being the 27th year) marking the friendship between the two countries from the assistance the Scots provided during World War II. The whole area is like walking through a movie scene and it jolts the senses with Christmas spirit. I was able to attend the tree lighting ceremony. The parade up to the tree and show beforehand were interesting, but the actual lighting was fantastic! Full of lights and fireworks! I have a video and will try to get it up, but if that fails, I will have to show it at some point. There were LOADS of people. Like, you can's move when you walk because there were so many people. Any way, it was fun to be a part of and I'm glad I was able to witness a yearly celebration within the city.
Isn't that lovely?! And that's just one portion of it!
The tree from Norway!
People EVERYWHERE.
As we head into December, there is much in store. The Mumford and Sons concert is on the 5th, events at the House, Christmas, and then some YAGM friends coming up for Hogmanay (new year) at the end of the month! Much to look forward to and much to be thankful for. Again, my cup overflows.
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