A bit bland

So i have begun to realize that this blog is bland. Its full of pictures of my journey s but not much substance. Since this is read by such a variety of people, my church, my youth group, friends, family, etc. I have tried to keep it as simple as possible. But I am going to to give a little into the world of Leah's thesis, to try and spice it up a bit, or for those of you who like pictures better, bland it down a lot.

My thesis is on theology of reconciliation. those who are around me are probably so sick of hearing me talk about this, so you can just skip down a bit. i am looking different instances in the world where reconciliation was used at a higher level then most, ie: South Africa, Northern Ireland. Learning from what they did. Commenting that perhaps they should have permanent places of reconciliation to continue what they started etc. etc.

I guess the questions is, why do i even care about this? here is one reason, The south african truth and reconciliation council was considered one of the most respected means of reconciliation a country has ever seen. offering restorative justice instead of jail time is a crazy concept. but the truth is, as much as it has been praised, i look to the paper today and see "South African Students in horrific racist abuse" dated, today. Some students made janitors at a local university get on their knees and drink urine (the students) from their mop buckets. the reply by the student body? this kind of stuff happens all the time over the anger of integration. intergration! what an old word! or so we thought i suppose.

this isnt to pick on south africa, at least they tried and did acomplish a great deal by any stretch, but the violence and hatred still lingers and for what reason?

anyway, thats what i am hoping to see, going to india and mississippi of all places to study religious and racial peace centers who have set themselves in the midst of violence.

someone asked what was an influence of mine recently, now i by no means advocate john piper, we agree and disagree about 50% either way. but this speech, truly challenged me. and so i hope you will listen and enjoy.

Happy Post St. Patty's day!

So there has been a lot going on in bonnie scotland! We had a trip to the beach close to here, and also a highlands adventure. So here are some pictures!

First my parent's present for Valentine's day!



The gang hangs out in the cemetary, and yes there is a skull and crossbone on that last gravestone!





The town and beach of North Berwick









Loch Ness!





The Cullins in the Highlands




Dunvegan Castle (of the McCleods)





The wildlife on the isle of skye!





Talisker Whiskey on the Isle of Skye, and my bank Royal Bank of Scotland, in Gaelic underneath.





Our Car, stubby, and the Fairy Glens










Fun in Edinburgh!!!!







hope you enjoy! the next update will be pics from the CRUISE!!!!!!!

until then, i love you and goodnight!

Hope you haven't forgotten me!

Well, sorry for the lack of updates, but I have been home for a whole month for christmas....so here are some pictures to give you an idea of what I have been up to!

In Edinburgh, they have a Christmas festival called "winter wonderland" this is the view from South Bridge here in Edinburgh. You can see the famous ferriswheel. The city really lights up everywhere for the holidays.



Here is a view of parliament from the ferriswheel



Here is the castle and the skating rink from the ferris wheel



Here is Parliament and the skating rink.



Every year my family has a 'hat picture' where we get in goofy hats and take pictures...




Now i am back, and although I miss the usa, I live in maybe one of the most beautiful cities in teh world...i really do..don't believe me? Check out the sunset from my window..

Week in Review

The bbc has the week in pictures for scotland...here you go with a few from this week

Celebration, soccer fanatics EVERYWHERE, and cute red headed kids with ridiculous accents.

Arthur's Seat

Its strange that situated in much the city center of edinburgh is a giant volcanic rock called Arthur's Seat. Named as such for some legend of King Arthur in a book of poetry that mentions it. Regardless, it is a right of passage for those living here to climb it, and so recently James, Robyn, Maggie and myself decided to brave it. Here are some pictures, we also found blackberry bushes and had awesome time with that :) almost felt like home!

At the base





Our beautiful fairy tale city





Robyn picking blackberries, James attacking blackberries, and Maggie and I just enjoying the splendor of them.







Climbing, and making it to the top.









farewell till next time!
leah