Freshers Week

Arriving early is the best decision we've made.  We explored the sleeping town of St Andrews, resting before it's loud alarm on September 17th. That's when hundreds of students and their protective parents arrived, swarming the three main streets in town. "Freshers Week" began on Sunday, with about 100 events for undergrads, post grads, anarchists, vegans, pagans, Christians, and everyone in between. Garrick, I've noted, has no interest in scavenger hunts, support groups, or bonfires. He's carefully maintaining his post-grad status, as a mature, Biblical scholar. If they only knew. :)

Thus far, he's learned about the 20 point grading system, picked up the keys to his study space, registered for health insurance, and my personal favorite, matriculated. (That's means 'register' here in Scotland.) Last night, we attended the Left Society's production of "V for Vendetta" and sat silently as we witnessed the disorganization of the unofficial president. Classic. We've enjoyed meeting a few of the other nine students also doing a MLit in Scripture and Theology. In particular, Raymond and Mary Blake, who are so cool that they drive everywhere on a motorcycle. In Scotland. Brrrrr! We look forward to a few events later on in the week, a reception in the Parliament Hall on Friday night and a BBQ on Saturday. Next Tuesday Garrick's temporary vacation ends and his real work begins. I think he's ready!

We had the pleasure of attending Trinity Church on Sunday, where John Knox preached the reformation. The service started at noon and is situated in the corner of the stone building looking out beautiful stained glass windows and at incredible carvings. We met several couples similar to us, arriving from the states, looking for work, and adjusting to life here. I'm excited to have found a church home so quickly, as the process of "church shopping" exhausts me. Garrick tells me every day how surreal this experience feels to him. I am both proud and excited as he begins his post-graduate studies. St Andrews is becoming more and more like home to us. Of course there are still things to be sorted out, but I am learning patience.