February Update

We have 45 sleeps until we drive to Germany. Our Bucket List is keeping us grounded as we prepare for the big changes ahead. And today, I added and completed another thing: breakfast at Balgove followed by a manicure with Liana! (Thanks, Garrick, for this thoughtful Valentine's gift.) There's lots to cover, so we'll just get started.

Pregnancy

I'm in my 26th week and now require at least 6 pillows to sleep at night. Our baby girl is most active in the afternoon and evening, and we watch in awe as my stomach moves and bounces. We have a name, which I'm sure we'll share here soon. Last weekend, my lovely friends planned shower for me, and I'm still overwhelmed at the kindness of the community here. Liana, Elissa, and Rachel made a delicious brunch that had everyone going back for thirds. (Thanks to Kate Sherrard for the photos!)

The Thesis

Garrick printed out a copy of his entire thesis and is reading through it one last time. After a short trip to Birmingham for a conference early this week, he plans to submit Thursday or Friday. Much celebrating will be required, and an entire blog post will be devoted to that momentous occasion!

Admissions

Monday marks three weeks until my last day. This job has been one of my favourite things about living in Scotland. The role suits me, and I get to work with wonderful people. Higher Education is a challenging and exciting environment, and I hope to continue to do this type of work in the future. It won't be too hard considering Garrick's chosen profession.

The Move

With just 31 days until we need to be out of our flat, I've planned a moving event for the end of March. We've found a new home for most items, and the rest will go to a charity shop. After we move out, we'll stay with Jesse and Liana for the remaining two weeks before Garrick defends his thesis on 14 April. We are grateful for this blessing of housing! Then, we'll be Germany bound. Our current plan is to drive to Dover, England, take the 30 minute ferry to Calais, France, and then drive to our new home, Wuppertal. It will be an adventure, and there will be several bathroom stops along the way.

So, how are we doing?

Some days we feel excited and grateful for the upcoming changes: moving to a new country, a new job, and baby due in June. Other days, we wonder if we're slightly insane. Having gone through an international move once before, we feel like we have a good grasp on what to expect. There will be tears, fights in Ikea, and doubts about our new life. But, there will also be a sausage stand in the town centre, new friends, beautiful places to explore, and the birth of our first child.

Moving to Scotland has been the best decision we've ever made. I have loved living here, and leaving is really hard. But, I know I will likely feel similarly when it comes time to leave Germany. For those who are curious, yes, we do hope to get back to the Pacific Northwest someday, we just don't know when that will be. I am sure of two things. God is faithful, and home is wherever I am with Garrick Allen.

Another September

As of September 4th, we're beginning year f o u r. We've lived in Scotland for the majority of our married life. This place is very special to us and we're appreciating these cold, misty days more than ever. September brings new students and families to St Mary's and we've had the privilege of meeting them over the past few weeks. This Saturday we'll attend the annual Roundel BBQ to kick-off our last academic year.

Garrick is teaching Hebrew this semester and has submitted an entire draft of his thesis to his supervisor. He'll have lots of editing ahead, but I'm both proud and impressed of how he has maneuvered his way through the PhD process. He begins most mornings working out with friends and also follows the Mariners so closely that I wonder how he copes living so far away from Seattle.

I'm enjoying my job and getting ready to welcome loads of students on the four Visiting Days this autumn. Harry defeated Voldemort, and although I'm very happy about that, I'm sad to be done with the Harry Potter series. I've ordered The Fellowship of the Ring and am excited to start reading about another magical world. Most evenings I knit and sip Pukka Three Cinnamon Tea. Go buy some. Last night, I snapped photos for the Nose Toe Tail event at Balgove planned by the talented Liana.

Earlier this month we enjoyed a visit with my cousin Kyara and her husband, Zach. We appreciated that they included us in their European adventure. St Andrews is fairly out of the way. Most of our time together was spent eating and catching up.

We leave for Cambridge next week to visit Garrick's mom and Mark and Mark's family. As we don't see them often, we'll really make the most of our time together. In early October I'm leaving for a girls' weekend to the Lake District. I'm eagerly anticipating this time away with my lovely friends.

Transition is coming quickly we prepare for life after St Andrews. We're equally excited and nervous. The cosy bubble of St Andrews is difficult to leave, but our visas tell us we can't stay forever. We're grateful to God for his provision and guidance. Most of our friends will also begin leaving soon, and my Skype contact list will include friends from the US and UK. I'll update more on our plans very soon.

Did you know that Scotland is voting on independence today? Almost daily I'm asked by prospective studets and parents how this will affect the University, and I'll be relieved when we can give firm answers. It's a privelage to be here during this exciting time.

Happy autumn (in four days)! If you'd like to mail me tins of pumpkin, please don't hesitate. :)

The Night Market

We left our flat for The Night Market this evening and headed down North Street. Along the way, we picked up our friends Spencer, Alden, Jordan, and Krisi. Small town living at its finest.

The Balgove is a lovely farm shop and cafe a few minutes outside of town. The walk is pleasant, taking you past the Old Course and many University buildings. My friend, Liana, works at Balgove and coordinates The Night Market. They are on Wednesdays throughout the summer. Local vendors sell produce, jams, beer, wine, sweets, seafood, and hand-made items. There is also hot food served, and we are partial to the chips with aioli sauce and Scotch Eggs. We perused the stalls, laughed with friends, and enjoyed live blue grass music. Take a look!

Lately

We are currently experiencing the calm before the business of graduation. Our favourite lunch spots in town aren't too crowded, and we can sleep peacefully without waking up to Katy Perry at 2am. (We really do love our flat!)

On Saturday, I helped organise the Medicine Visiting Day for the University, and it went very well! I enjoyed dinner and drinks after at this new pub. A possible new best restaurant in St Andrews. I'm really thankful to work with people who I enjoy socialising with. I've worked in Admissions for about seven months now, and I feel very settled.

Garrick is impressing me as per usual. I recently attended his paper titled, "The Theology of Early Christian Scribes and the Greek Manuscript Tradition" at the Christian Thought Seminar last week. His handout was literally all Greek to me, but I paid attention to others in attendance to know when to turn the page. Overall, I followed his main points and the discussion that followed was very important. I enjoyed the dialogue about biblical scholars and theologians working together. It's great to see him in this setting!

 

On Monday, we had a day off, so we headed out to Balgove for eggs benedict (for me!) and a full Scottish breakfast (for Garrick!). Along the way, we passed many golfers teeing off at the 18th hole of the Old Course in gorgeous weather. After brunch, we retreated home for naps and reading. That evening, Garrick played in a football tournament put on by all the local churches. He had fun, but I think it was far from anything we've watched in the World Cup recently.

This summer we're mainly staying in St Andrews. Garrick has a few short weekends away for conferences in Vienna and Leuven, as well as a whisky trip to the islands, but overall we'll be at the beach or spending time with friends. Much like the PNW, it seems a shame to leave during the summer months after making it through the dark and rainy winter. Bring on the sun!

Tonight we're having a mac and cheese dinner date, and I'm hoping to continue reading the Harry Potter series. I've recently started number three and can't put it down. That's all for now!