Moving: Yikes. I've done it five times in the past four years and hope to not do it again anytime soon. The day we moved, a few friends helped pack our boxes, my coworkers drove back and forth between our flats transporting our belongings, and when we realised at 7:30pm amidst the chaos that we were hungry, a family dropped off a delicious meal, ice cream cake and all.
Weekly gatherings: Last year, one of the ways I felt most connected was a Tuesday night Bible Study for wives of post grads. Coming from various parts of the world, it would be easy to focus on our differences. But, we share a common bond: we are supporting our husbands while they are in school. We even get the privilege of having two wives of the academic staff attend. This year, I'm opening up our flat to the group, and it's lovely. I look forward to Tuesdays at 7:30pm.
Fair Ladies of St Andrews: This is a Facebook group for women who live in St Andrews. It's a forum of posts asking about where to get the best haircut in town to social gathering invites. Recently, this group helped us set up a shopping trip to Ikea and Costco. I'll admit I was misty eyed walking through the entrance of Costco and seeing the giant TVs. Is that embarrassing? Here's a peak at our strategically packed car:
Student collaboration: There is no competition among the students in St Mary's. Well, there is probably some, but mostly friendly rivalry. Every day, PhD students go to the Roundel to their prospective study spaces and work independently and together discussing ideas, practicing languages, and encouraging one another.
The community here acts as family, and it is beautiful to be a member. I know I have many more stories to share as do others. This is yet another aspect of our lives in Scotland that we hope to replicate when we leave.
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