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. :)

Summer Life

It's a typical Saturday morning in the Allen residence. We're sipping coffee while Garrick watches the Mariner's highlights, and I'm blogging. Also worth mentioning is the delicious cake we're eating for breakfast, sent home with us from a lovely dinner last night in Edinburgh with the Kellys.

Garrick traveled quite a bit in July, and although I really enjoyed time spent with friends, and he enjoyed seeing new places, we're happy to be back together and start living more intentionally.

A few changes include waking on the first alarm, going for a short run a few mornings a week, and spending less time surfing the web. We also do the dishes right after dinner and make our bed every morning. It's like we're grown-ups or something.

A brief update on my world: I'm knitting a pair of gloves, just received 7 skeins of yarn in the post to knit this blanket, and Harry Potter is always nearby. At the end of August, I'll be travelling to London with my team at work to put on an event for students coming to St Andrews this autumn.

Garrick? He's editing his entire thesis, preparing to teach Hebrew this semester, and has just received an exciting offer for after we leave St Andrews (more info to come). He also cycles most days.

It's likely our final year here, and this is why we're trying to live more purposefully. We love our sea-side flat, the small-town atmosphere of St Andrews, and our wonderful friends. These next few months will be spent focusing on these elements of our life. There are a few places we'd still like to visit including the Borders, Outer Hebrides, and maybe even another trip to Skye.

Next month, we are welcoming my cousin Kyara and her husband Zach for a few days, my parents for a week and a half, and then we're travelling south to England to meet up with Garrick's mom, Mark, and Mark's family. We're pretty excited. Happy Saturday!

January

I woke up early this morning and grabbed my camera. A new lens will do that to you. Walking around, my eyes caught several things I've never seen before. And this made me realize that even in the gray, St Andrews is stunning.

This week we've been slowly adjusting back to work and a new time zone. Plans are starting to fill the calendar and we're taking stock of what 2014 holds.

I'm fully immersed in my new job and truly enjoying my new team and remit. To make it better, on Friday I moved offices and my new desk has a view of the West Sands. It was the most productive day I've had!

Garrick just completed his third chapter and is more than halfway done with his dissertation. Books trickle through the post everyday and language flashcards pile up on most surfaces.

Socially we feel settled and comfortable. I had a coffee date with a friend this morning and relationships like these are what grounds me. It's so vital to have people to walk alongside during this unique postgraduate journey.

Oh, the St Andrews Brew Pub just opened and it's a gem. They have a tapas menu that is cheap and delicious. We'll be going many times over this long winter. We don't have a lot of options in such a small town and this place is our new favourite.

Well, that's about it. It's now raining and I'm going to drink Market Spice tea and play Cribbage with my husband. Here are some photos from this morning:

ISBL, Finance, EABS, and the In-Between

It's hard to concentrate on July when buttery croissants, cappuccinos, and the Tour d'Eiffel are in my future. But, I'll do my best.

ISBL (International Society of Biblical Literature) came to St Andrews and was the largest conference the University has ever held.  Garrick presented on "The Text Form of the Minor Prophets in the Book of Revelation: Two Allusions to Zechariah 4 as a Test Case." Thoughts from the scholar himself: "I got good feedback on my paper, had a lot of fun, and met really great people." I noticed that Garrick came home every night more energized than when he left in the morning. He is blessed.

Finance. I have truly enjoyed the last three weeks in the Cash Office. I've been warmly welcomed, had tea made for me at least twice a day, and enjoyed ice cream every Friday. The work suits me, and the days fly by. I'm thankful had the opportunity to work this summer and would be interested in future work in Finance.


Abbey Walk roses on my daily commute.

EABS (European Association of Biblical Studies) is in Leipzig, Germany this year. Garrick and two of his friends will stay in the "Say Cheese" hostel and attend the conference. This time, he'll present on "Remarks on the Textual Form of Zechariah Utilized in Revelation." Then, he catches the train to meet me in Paris!

And here's to the in-between. Social much? We're coming up on our two-year mark, and this means our relationships with friends don't feel so 'new'. And come fall, a whole new group of students will arrive, and we're excited to welcome them to this unique community. With the weather reaching practically scorching for Scotland, we've enjoyed outdoor BBQ's, bonfires, and hunted for sea glass on packed beaches. Did we move to Spain?

Two Allen Updates

Garrick: He passed his GRO, or General Research Ordinance, and can now be referred to as Garrick Allen, PhD Candidate! This is the compilation of all of his work from his first year of PhD and has to include at least one chapter, a bibliography and an outline of his dissertation. If this is not submitted, or is deemed inadequate, than continuation in the program is uncertain. Garrick puts in a lot of hours makes the most of every opportunity, and in turn I feel appreciated for my efforts in working and moving across the world. We are a team!

Andrea: I got a 4-week contract for the month of July in Finance Department at the University! As a term-time employee, I thought it would be difficult to find work over the summer holiday. As we'll be in Paris this August, that made a month-long job seem even less likely. Well, thanks to networking, I got an email from the Head of the Finance Department while we were in the Low Countries letting me know about the temporary post. I attended what I thought was an informal meeting, which turned into an interview (fun!), and got the job.  Anyway, God always provides, and we are thankful.





Goodbye, May!

The second academic year is nearly over. I can’t believe the calendar above the clock on my computer reads 30/05/13. The months speed along. So, in familiar format, our month of May:

Holiday Planning: Rick Steve’s and Trip advisor are taking us on an adventure of the Low Countries: The Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, and Germany. We leave on the 6th and arrive back on the 14th of June. Besides tasting the best beer, chocolate, and fries in the world, we’re looking forward to a trip to celebrate both of our 25th birthdays and some time away.

Piano: Teaching piano is a new love of mine. Last week, I had my final lesson with Elizabeth Snell, as her dad, Micah, finished his PhD and got a job in Texas! I’m excited to continue with Kirsten and Laura, and will be adding more students over the summer and into the fall.

Bonfires: Our new favourite hobby. The weather is still hit and miss, but on those perfect evenings as the sun sets and the tide goes out, you’ll find us at the beach with friends. Jumbo marshmallows are a rare find in Scotland, so s'mores have yet to happen.

Paris: Just in, Garrick successfully applied to take a French course in Paris for the entire month of August, and we’ll be going with friends from St Andrews. More to come!

 

Job News: I’m a term-time employee, meaning I’m done on 30th June and begin again in late August. Since I’ll be gone to Paris for the month of August, I’m just looking for something for the month of July. We’ll see!

The Scholar: Garrick finished tutoring for the semester and received great feedback from students. He's writing book reviews, preparing for conferences in Leipzig, St Andrews, and Baltimore, working on language learning, and doing his own research. Motivated is an understatement. His hobbies are cycling and The Simpsons.

Sea Glass: The Castle Sands beach is basically in our front yard, and beautiful sea glass is plentiful. With the help of an expert friend, I'm realising I have some quite valuable pieces in my collection that could be of interest to jewelers and artists. An Etsy shop may be in the works.

Homesickness Update: We’ve lived in Scotland for almost two years! This summer, there are special birthdays, weddings, and events in the USA that we’ll be very sad to miss. Our hearts are in two places at once. Although a good problem to have, it has its ups and downs.

 

Thanks for reading happy summer!

 

Beautiful wedding invites from our beautiful friends!

 

Hamish!

 

May haar.

 

Balgove burgers with Jesse and Liana!

 

Our wee lane.

 

Bonfire with the Brewers on the East Sands!

 

Garrick's new haircut. :)

 

Easter and Gladstone's Library

Easter Sisters. :)

This Easter was unique in many ways. We participated in our first Seder Meal with good friends Andrew and Alene. We and a few other families shared in the symbolic meal which included liturgy, wine, and wonderful food. We hope to make this a tradition every year.

As Garrick was in Wales over Easter, I attended church without family this year. I enjoyed participating in the music and watching the grandparents, parents, and children take part in the service together. Although I would not choose to celebrate this way, I was reminded that the Christ's death and resurrection is the same yesterday, today, and in the future, regardless of my circumstances.

After church and a nap, the women of St Mary's graciously invited me to attend their Easter dinner. Lamb shanks, roasted vegetables, spinach salad, and bread adorned the table, and just when I though it couldn't get any better, Guinness Cake topped with chocolate ganoush and strawberries appeared.

 

A few of the women who were present share an office with Garrick, so I enjoyed getting to know them better. This community continually encourages and challenges me.

 

Garrick and his friend Chris Brewer received a grant to study at Gladstone's Library in Wales for a week and this included accommodation, breakfast, and dinner each day. Read more about their time here: thebrewerclan.com.

 

 

While our men were away, Chris' wife Rachel and I spent the week together. Garrick has travelled in the past and I've stayed on my own, but this was so much better! We enjoyed cookies, conversation, movies, and of course, Legos and UNO with the boys. I was so thankful to be an adopted Brewer for the week. Garrick arrived home on Wednesday evening with our friend from college, Ryan Gregg! More to come on his visit. :)

I think it's appropriate to conclude with this meaningful quote from a lovely hymn we sang on Easter Sunday:

"And we are raised with him, death is dead, love has won, Christ has conquered."

Marching On

Honestly, the beginning of this month has not been easy. Family health concerns are tough, but even more difficult when we are thousands of miles from offering tangible help and encouragement. We praise God for his sovereignty, put our trust in Him, and realise we have much to be thankful for.

March is a lovely month. Here's why:

Whoa Baby: This Saturday, the St Mary's community celebrates 5 women who have either recently had a baby or who are very pregnant. It has been fun to plan and look forward to this baby shower.

Gladstone's: Garrick and his good friend Chris Brewer received a scholarship to travel to Wales and study at Gladstone's Library while staying at a 4 Star B&B. This means I will be living with Chris' wife and two boys for the week. I see Lego's, Pride and Prejudice, and nail painting in my future.

Piano/Yoga: I'm not flexible. My friend Laura can't play the piano. So, we're swapping our skills to benefit one another. I just finished my first yoga session and am feeling better already! I now have three piano students and find great joy in teaching piano. Thanks, mom!

Indexing: Garrick is indexing a new book by Jim Davila entitled "Hekhalot Literature and Translation" (forthcoming). It is a 600 page translation of medieval Jewish mystical literature. Apparently, it is well worth the read. I, of course, cannot speak from experience.

Day Trips: Scotland is a beautiful country worth exploring. We're planning two day trips in the same weekend and renting a car. On the potential itinerary are Oban and the castles near Aberdeen. More details and photos to come.

Brunch: We gather bimonthly at 10am for brunch with friends before attending our church, Trinity, together. Good food, french press coffee, and good conversation combine to make a great start to the morning!

Here are some recent photos from our daily life:

Glorious sunshine on the 1st of March!



Castle Sands beach at sunset.


My sunny day scholar.


My new kitchen companion!

 

PhD & CSA: Our Favorite Acronyms

It's official. Garrick and I have both had our short term dreams come true. Read on and find out about our new opportunities!

CSA (Collaborations & Study Abroad)

I said "farewell" to the Meerkats and "nice to meet you" to a wonderful new job! I am a Registry Administrator on the Collaborations & Study Abroad team at the University of St Andrews. My desk sits under a US map, I help St Andrews students on their journey to study in universities all around the world, and tea and coffee flow freely! :) The 9-5 lifestyle suits me well and practically mirrors Garrick's study hours. Being an American, I am stunned at the benefits offered to employees! If you'd like to know more, check out our web page: http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/studyabroad/.

PhD (Doctor in Philosophy)

In the last 5 months, Garrick adapted to a new educational system, got honours in his modules, and managed to write a PhD proposal in his spare time. Yesterday, he walked into my new office and shared the exciting news: He got in to PhD at the University of St Andrews! His proposal in a nut shell (if that's possible) looks at the reuse of the Old Testament book of Zechariah in the New Testament book of Revelation. You can comment on this blog if you'd like to ask the man himself!

I think February has set high expectations for March. We could not be more thankful and recognize God's faithfulness above all else.