I took the sun for granted last week.

I felt the need to confess that. 

While I actually do enjoy the rain and cooler weather, I did not realize that our trip to Stirling Castle last week would be the last time I really saw the sun in quite some time.  Pictures below.

A door for people who are Sarah-sized.

The ceiling in the Great Hall is crafted in the likeness of a Viking longboat.

James standing in King James bedroom

Queen's Bedchamber

A view to the south (the direction we'd all be looking if the English were invading!).

The castle is set on the parapet of a large cliff.

The Great Hall (right) was recently renovated.  The coloring is called "King's Gold" and will eventually wear into the gray that colors the rest of the castle.

The chapel where Mary was crowned Queen of Scots in the 16th Century.

Sarah & Jenny enjoyed the afternoon while James & I explored the castle.

Statue of James V, the man who built the castle into its full magnificence.

Stirling Castle

We continue to enjoy our time with the Dunfermline Link folks.  Dinner with Margaret & Ruth Patton was nice.  We enjoyed hearing Margaret's stories, and Ruth's parakeet was quite entertaining.  We also shared a spectacular lamb dinner with the Hills (Mark, Liz, & Sarah).  Their dog, Sophie, made us realize how much we miss our boy Boone!

Perhaps the highlight of the week was the Marshmallow war we had with the Altmans yesterday!  Apparently the Moore family (Luke & Julie) fashioned marshmallow guns during their stay last summer.    After much preparation and anticipation, the battle commenced.  It was initially everyone vs. Mike & Keenan, but we convinced Josh to join the 'dark side'.  This is him unloading on Sarah: 



This morning at church Sarah had the opportunity to share a bit of her testimony while I gave the message.  It was good for us to share what the Lord had put on our hearts.  We realize that while we've spent the bulk of our time building relationships and working with students in the local schools, we haven't really posted any pictures of these events!  While we can't take pictures in the schools, we will try and make more of an effort to who you the wonderful people who have been hosting us!