Haggis, Tatties, and Neeps... but wait! It gets so much better!

Dinner at the Bells

On Wednesday, our team experienced an authentic and traditional Scottish meal with our team leader Rob Bell from the Heralds Trust in Scotland and his family.  This meal included Haggis, tatties and neeps.  I don't remember fully what the tatties and neeps were but they're harmless anyway.  Haggis, now that's another topic altogether.

According to the all-knowing Wikipedia, "Haggis is a kind of savoury pudding containing sheep's pluck (heart, liver and lungs - see Offal); minced with onion, oatmeal, suet, spices, and salt, mixed with stock, and traditionally encased in the animal's stomach and simmered for approximately three hours. Most modern commercial haggis is prepared in a sausage casing rather than an actual stomach."  Mmmmm... good mood food :)

Haggis, the dark savory meat on the plate

Okay, when you put it that way, it doesn't sound that delicious (or slightly appealing for that matter).  However, at least I know what I'm eating unlike eating a hot dog (and I have nothing against hot dogs either).  But honestly, it is a delicious meal.  Still, there was something lacking from this traditional Scottish experience.  We were lacking... FREEDOM! so we popped in Braveheart and now feel the need to engage in some sort of celtic revolution... or just visit Edinburgh Castle (more on that another day).

Back to School

For the second time this week, we were given the opportunity to minister in the local public high school! I find this to be incredible considering the secular temperature of the culture.  This Thursday morning began with a challenging training in apologetics led by Moody Bible Institute's 2011 Alumnus of the Year, Ian Leitch.  He was preparing us for a unique opportunity we were embarking in.

Norman Murphy(right), Ian Leitch (middle), Rob Bell (left)

We were invited into upperclassman religion classes to talk about the Christian perspective on things like the origin of the universe, evolution, euthanasia, the problem of sin, etc.  This was particularly interesting for them because many of them do not interact with "real-life Christians" on a regular basis.  These youth asked very difficult and thought out questions.  God's grace was upon the whole day.  We had more time to interact with the youth in the cafeteria during their lunch hour.  I, of course, busted out the Connect Four and showed the kids (junior high-aged) the meaning of domination, but I digress.

We returned that night to support some of the youth in their talent show.  After the talent show, I noticed one of my group members in a deep conversation with one of the young girls.  Vanessa was sharing the gospel with one of the girls and God opened the eyes of the heart of this girl.  The angels rejoiced as this girl gave her life to Christ. Kenny and others were able to encourage the girl.  The event was electrifying.  A good day ended in a great way.  We have at least one more sister in our family tonight. Amen... FREEDOM!