As we sit inside our home this steamy Georgia Sunday I am reflective on the blessing of a summer this has been.  In addition to the rugged beauty and crisp, cool soul of Scotland, we have indulged in friendships that will long outlast this trip.  We've found a second home, and while we have no intentions of moving away from lovely Athens, it is special to find a place across the ocean inundated with friends who really stand as a sort of family, though distinguished by blood and nationality, united by a singular love for Jesus and a commitment to each others' well being.  Some last thoughts before we write off Scotland '12 as fond memories:

1.) No one should ever despair or apologize for rain -- it is life for all that is beautiful.
2.) Driving on the left side of the road is easy . . . as long as all others are doing so, too.
3.) When you get a chance to climb a mountain, climb it!  But if it's a choice between spending time with the ones you love or embarking on an adventure, always choose the one's you love.
4.) Hold onto memories, and open yourself to making new ones.

Here are some final pictures from our blessed summer (including pics from London):

Tower Bridge

sunny afternoon on the red double-decker bus

Big Ben

In the cavernous cellars of Gordon's - the oldest bar in London

Buckingham Palace

Parliament on the Thames River

"Mind the Gap" while riding the Tube

London Eye

Parliament at night

Pastor Iain Allen & English fan Michael Yarney

Grillmaster Andy Wilson

History buff Struen Yarney & coffee enthusiast Caella Librizzi

Soon-to-be-father Myke Brown & sweet-spirited Sarah Hill

St. Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh

Lunch with friend Alex Gapud

"Mons Meg" - a 15th Century canon

Edinburgh Castle

While it's nice to be home, I am apt to feel a bit homesick.  I can't help but to look forward to future discussions with Archie, dinners with the Hills, trips to Belfast w/ the youth, prayer with the Turnbulls, Sam Adams w/ James, laughs with the Yarneys, sailing with Neil, cookouts with the Wilsons, marshmallow wars with the Altmans, adventures with the Bridsons, and visits with those we love in bonnie Scotland!  Thank you all over there who might be reading this.  You have eternally blessed all 3 of us; this is a summer that we will not soon forget . . .

12 weeks old and called "Lil Flip" until we learn the sex.