adventure in the UK p3a

Edinburgh, 20 – 21 May

I was flying out from Edinburgh to the Shetlands and I had no place to stay the night before left. On my way, I had to call some contacts given to me in Leeds. I was passed on from one person to another because it was such a very short notice. Anyhow, one of them responded and said I was welcome to stay at her place. We immediately bonded as if we´ve known each other since.

Shetland Islands, 21 – 29 May

click on the collages for better view

 Sumburgh, Gulberwick & Lerwick

            The view whilst landing on Sumburgh was breathtaking! It was very windy, I had to stand firm and run fast to the building. Frank & Lillian Miller, my hosts, came to get me and brought me to their lovely home. On our way to the capital, we drove past some villages, and I couldn´t stop exclaiming how gorgeous this country is.

           The Millers live in a house overlooking a stunning view, in Gulberwick. The moment we got to the humble dwelling, on the gate it said, “Kingsknowe” and I felt so welcomed and privileged. I was reminded of that passage in Song of Songs 1:4b (Let the king bring me into his chambers.) True enough, I stayed on the ground floor, with a nice- looking, chamber-like corner of the house. I was even joking that I could write my book there. On the top floor, they got wide glass windows and it felt like you´re always watching a live geographic channel, especially one time Frank told me to use the telescope and pointed out a spot at bay. I saw a bird dove into to water to catch its prize. What more can I ask? The hospitality in this country is really heartwarming, that I was reminded of home – the Philippine Islands.

            The next day was Sunday so we went to church and immediately welcomed, and knew that somehow I had a place here when I saw the flag of my country on the wall. It was very encouraging I must say. Then I was asked to sing with the music team. I was humbled by the fact that they did not even know me yet they took me in like I have been part of their team. In the afternoon, the Millers took me to Staney Hill centre, where they work with the heroin addicts - feeding, counselling, and praying with them. It was a privilege to be part even for a brief moment, with what they´re doing. I had a good conversation with two of the guys there and was blessed how they just poured questions upon questions. I just had to share how good God has been in my life. Then in the evening, Marianne, an Argentinian who lives there, took me to a gorgeous place called Ness of Sound. It was very windy so we didn´t stay long. After that, we met up with two girls who are part of the music team for dinner, before we went to see the Faeroese Gospel choir. When I saw those elderlies travelling to places and singing about the love of God to people, I thought to myself, "I want to do that even in my old age.":)

Brae

Like what I mentioned earlier, I left Bradford with excitement and having that sense there´s a series of surprises waiting for me. Little did I know, there was a DTS outreach team from Scotland, and I got to meet them. Another God connection. I immediately felt one with them. They asked me later to join them to a place called Brae. The more I moved around this country, the more I got fascinated by the beauty that which God crowned it with.

Scalloway, W&E Burra, Trondra

team from Scotland

On Sunday, one of the women asked me if I could come to their home and have a meal with them. So we made an arrangement. I had lunch with them in Scalloway. We had a great time of sharing not just the meal but with how God has been faithful and good to this couple. I love their heart for the Shetlands, how they´ve been standing their ground and stubbornly planted their on the ground just like the Shetland ponies, against the inconsistent weather.              

After that, I was invited to join the team and we went to East & West Burra and Trondra, where we put some stakes on the ground with the some written scriptures on a paper. We then prayed into these promises for the people living in those areas. It was fun being with them. We enjoyed moving from one place to another despite the windy atmosphere.

     Shetland ponies are everywhere and I just loved looking at them. It's a shame I didn't get to ride on one of them. Also, whenever we got to a beach, I took advantage of dipping my feet into the water... oh how refreshing!