Small Joys

I spoke to Rusty this morning and wanted to share some joys/blessings I am really grateful for...

• Countryside so beautiful that it's "like a fairy tale"

• The kindness of strangers...when Rusty arrived, he felt lonely and isolated. He has since met many of the neighbors and has been overwhelmed by their friendly manner and quickness to help! Some examples...John and Isabel, caretakers of the estate the cottage is on, stocked the cottage fridge, showed Rusty the way to the "loch" and boathouse, offered their internet and fax, have given him rides into town, and tomorrow are taking him in to Edinburgh, the capital, so he can go sightseeing and shopping at Costco! Another neighbor offered her internet. When he came to use it, she was out but the nanny (a retired cancer researcher) said she was expecting him, insisted that he come in, use the internet, and have tea! Other neighbors told him about some possible part time work opportunities within walking distance, and I have heard from another source that some people around our age from the church are going to visit him soon and show him around.

• After a bit of difficulty, he was able to set up our bank account and to get a reliable phone card. Next week, he's hoping to nail down cell phones.

• We had been told that we'd need to pay "council tax" (utilities) for the cottage but when Rusty inquired as to how to set them up, he was told they were paid up for the year and not worry about it.

It's easy to worry about Rusty when he's alone so far away and to get anxious about life in a new place, but there is so much to be thankful and look forward to and I know that God is in control!