Thursday, November 2, 2017

Our England and Scotland trip ~ Day 6

Jacob had meetings with Mary's Meals all day, so Campbell and I went to Edinburgh to see the
sights together. And I felt pretty proud of myself for getting us there and back (a ninety-minute
train ride each way) and all around the city without losing either of us. I wasn't expecting to love
Edinburgh as much as I did. It is just a really cool place and I was so glad to spend time there.

It was a really lovely day.

Wednesday, November 1, 2017

Our England and Scotland trip ~ Day 5

Our first day in Scotland was, without question, my favorite day of the trip. Even looking back
at the photos does something to my heart I can't explain. I loved every part of our day five.

The drive to Inveraray was unreal. Jacob must have stopped more than a dozen times
for me to take photos. I felt like I couldn't breathe from the amount of beauty and
am sure I acted like a small child with my constant exclamations and joy.

 
 I think this is my favorite picture from the trip. And not because it is of me, believe me,
but I can just feel the happiness and excitement I felt and how much I loved what we were doing.

And more of the landscape on the drive. And some photos of the handsome men
that put up with all of my picture taking. Oh I love Scotland something fierce.

And finally we arrived in Inveraray. It was breathtaking. And knowing I was minutes
away from seeing what I came to Scotland to see filled me with so many emotions.

This was the walk up to the castle. And without sharing things that were meant for my own heart,
I will just say that the intensity of the Spirit I was feeling still brings me to tears when I think about it.

The Castle Campbell. This isn't some random castle with the name Campbell, this is the actual
one that my ancestors lived in. This is my lineage.These are the people who I will one day
meet and thank when I get to heaven. I know that with all of my heart. And again, I couldn't
describe the feelings I was feeling, even if it was appropriate for me to do so. It was just
an experience so truly incredible and sweet. I will never forget it as long as I live.

The tours for the inside of the castle apparently close between November 1st and April.
Take a look at the date on this post. We had no idea and the website didn't mention it at all.
But I can honestly say I wasn't disappointed in the least. I think it surprised Jacob a little that
I was fine with it all, but what I had seen and what I had experienced was so much, I couldn't
ever be frustrated that I didn't get more. It was just so wonderful and truly enough.

Sweet Campbell took this picture without our knowledge, on our walk back to the car.

As the sun went down, we raced to make it to Kilchurn Castle before it was too dark. I have
loved this castle for a long time, since seeing some incredible photos of it from an amazing
photographer. Our photos weren't quite so amazing, but I sure loved seeing this castle in person.

 And I wouldn't even know where to start with this photo. I was finally able to see the shed
in person and it was an incredibly touching experience. We also had the great opportunity
to talk for quite a while with Magnus' mother and oh, I don't even know how to put
that much wonderful into words. It was a sweet, sweet ending to an incredible day.