Edinburgh called. We answered.

As seems to be the case, we again have lost internet connection at our house. For some reason, the only wireless network in our house today is called “Omneechka”, and being that none of us are Russian, we have no idea what that means. If only we knew more Russian passwords to try….

So we have come into Edinburgh today. What an exciting and unexpected day trip! Our schedule, as is the situation on most mission trips, is constantly changing. We originally believed that we would be spending today in Glasgow and tomorrow setting up for camp at the Scout camp facility. We are unable to get in to the camp tomorrow, so we went this morning to let the team see the rooms and area to get an idea of where we will be. Then we hurried to the airport to pick up our long-awaited team member Katie B.! What fun to have her here finally. Thank you for your continued prayers- she and her gear arrived here safely.

Now we are in Edinburgh. We are hoping that while we are gone from the Kingdom House, someone will be able to figure out how to repair the ole internet- our elusive companion. If not, we will again go on a search throughout the local area to attempt to find some sort of connection. Honestly, our only purpose for internet is this blog- we want to keep our much appreciated (and MUCH needed!) prayer warriors updated on things here. So take some time today to pray that God would provide connection for us so that we can let you know specific ways to pray.

We had an amazing time of worship and prayer last night with the family who runs the Kingdom House. It was one of those times when God’s hand is so apparent- what are the chances that the family would be YWAMers who are living out the dream that God has placed in their hearts? It was amazing to hear their testimony of God’s faithfulness that led them to this place. Their heart for this country, and the Kingdom House specifically, was inspiring, to say the least. We as a team are constantly amazed at the way God moves around us- He just keeps reminding me that He is the same God- yesterday, today, and forever- in Georgia and in Scotland. He is God. And He loves to move.

As we prepare for camp these next couple of days, we are sensing God’s excitement and power. We feel certain (in our own hearts and in prophetic words spoken over us- from here and from some of you at home) that God has very BIG plans for this week. That this is only the beginning of what He is doing. And we could not be more honored to be vessels in that. What a pleasure to join with God in what He is already doing in the hearts of youth in Scotland!

Lance gave us a quick rundown of the young culture here in Scotland last night- and it is heartbreaking. There are only 2 schools here- elementary and high school. At the age of 11, students are sent to “high school”- can you even imagine what it would be like for a 6th grader to be in the same school as a senior? That’s exactly the case here. Needless to say, that leads to some QUICK maturing of young children. And being that most people use public transportation, that is about the same age that parents let their kids ride the trains to different towns to hang out with friends. So what we would consider appropriate for maybe a 14 year old (going to the mall alone with friends) is common for 11 year olds. Think of characteristics of a common 16 year old in America and you can contribute that to a 12-13 year old here. All over the world, children are no longer being allowed to grow up slowly. Sink or swim, as the case may be.

For those who swim here, they end up going to school until they are 18 and then going to University. For those who sink, they are called “NEDs”. That stands for Non Educated Delinquents. And what we would consider a condescending term is what everyone here considers normal- this is even what the GOVERNMENT calls these kids! They drop out of school and then live up to their name- delinquents. We actually got to meet a couple of boys yesterday and they made sure that we knew that was who they were. It was sad. Scotland has created a sub-culture that is nothing more than a self-fulfilled prophesy. We speak LIFE into those kids and pray that God would tell them who they REALLY are!

For our camp, we will not have many (if any) NEDs. Most of these kids are from a living church that seeks God’s heart. Though we were originally somewhat discouraged by our numbers (around 20ish kids and 6 Scottish adults), we now see God’s hand on it. With the students we have coming, and their already blooming hearts for the Lord, what they experience at camp will be fostered by their home church and they will be able to fan the flame of God in the students’ hearts. Then they will be able to go back in to their community, culture, and schools (which are full of NEDs and other students who need the love and salvation that Jesus brings) and be a light to others.

Here are the things we are specifically praying:

-Wisdom. Scotland has ridiculously strict rules about child safety and child protection. Though that is not a bad thing, is does not leave a lot of room for the physical touch of a hug, etc. that these kids need. One of the greatest prayer requests from the church here is that these kids would experience the LOVE of God. Pray that we would be wise in how we show it- that God would open doors for us to express His love for these kids.

- We are still praying that the 4 youth that live at the Kingdom House would want to come to camp. What we originally thought was 2 boys are actually 1 boy and 3 girls (sorry bout that!). Please pray that God would draw their hearts towards Him and they would want to be at camp! Pray that as we interact with them here, they would feel a connection with us and want to spend more time with us.

- Finally, just pray that in the next 36 hours, we would be able to remember every detail to pull camp together. We are asking God to be bigger than our memory! We want these students to have a genuine experience with God, but things also need to be organized and ready when they get there so their focus can be Him, not us.

- Weather. Umm....did anyone mention that it is COLD here? And RAINY? Cause it is. And many of our best laid plans will not work out so well if it rains daily at camp. PLEASE pray for a super-natural warming outside and a rain free (or little rain) week.

We will, God willing, be able to blog again soon. Who even knows at this point? I've never experienced so many random internet connections. Entertaining, to say the least.

We are off to see the Royal Mile and have fish and chips! Delicious! Praise the Lord for how He has provided for us so far- with provision, safety, and most important- HIS PRESENCE.

We love y'all and depend/rest in your prayers. Please continue to lift us up to our Father as we seek to join in the work that HE is doing here. All power and honor to Him.

"Not to us, O Lord, not to us but to Your name be the glory because of Your LOVE and FAITHFULNESS."
-Psalm 115:1