My Scotland Mission: April 2018

Cliffs of Skye

Rock Formation

Rock formations on the Isle of Skye

Cliffs of Skye

We booked a tour with Rabbies Tours for the four of us (Elder & Sister Miller, myself and Sister Call). We drove to Inverness the day before, stayed overnight there and then left at 7:30 am for The Isle of Skye. Our hotel was less than perfect, but we only paid 50 pounds per person--so I guess we got what we paid for LOL. Here is a picture of our tour guide, Duncan. Notice the kilt & accessories.

He was wonderful and had the most charming Scottish accent. He entertained us with stories, poetry, historical facts and even sang some Highlands songs. When he
wasn't singing/talking, he would play Scottish Highland music & explain facts about the singers and the music. Just a natural- born entertainer!!

When we (about 16 of us total) we laborously climbing the hills, we would see Duncan, with skirt flying, running full speed up the hills and would almost do running jumps down the hills--incredible energy and enthusiasm! It was a 12-hour day with Duncan, but I'd better move on and tell you about the sights. Skye is a very primitive island. not much grass, lots of amazing rock formations and heaven for those folks who love to climb. Only a few wee villages and we ate lunch in one of them. We stopped many times to get out and stretch and just enjoy the beauty around us. One time as I neared the top of a pretty stiff climb, I looked around and thought I must surely be in a Hollywood scene for an outer space type movie. The land is barren and full of small mountains, hills and sheep grazing right next to you as you stand and look around. I thought it was interesting that one of the villages we drove through had almost as many churches as houses. Duncan told us that the village was 100% Sabbath observant. It was a beautiful wee village right on the sea and all the buildings were white stucco.

On the way to Skye we stopped at Eilean Donan Castle, one of Scotlands most iconic sites. Built on a hill, it overlooks the Isle of Skye and is surrounded by water. Parts of the castle has rooms that are furnished and can be rented out for weddings and such. Parts of several movies have been filmed there, incl. the original Highlander. We also saw Highland Coos (cows) and lots of baby lambs. We drove back to Edinburgh after a full day of fun and got home around 11:30 pm.

Bridal Falls

Eilean Donan Castle

NOTE: Well hello Mom. I was thinking today how much I would like to hear your voice. I'll have to set up a call with Kay so we can talk. As you can tell from my blog, I've been really busy. We work hard during the week and play hard on Saturday. My mission is going very well. I love finding flats for the missionaries and seeing how excited they are to be moving in. Sometimes they are only in them for 6 weeks or so, because the missionaries get transferred every 6-8 weeks. But then new missionaries move into the flat and on it goes. The weather is considerabllly warmer now, but it rains almost every day for at least a little while. I'm still doing a lot of teaching the gospel with the missionaries to those interested in learning more about the Savior. It really is my favorite part of my mission. I hope you are doing well. I will see you in about 6 months. Love you as always. Hugs and kisses to you.

NOTE: Hi Mackenzie--I know ir has been a while, but I just wanted you to know how much I love you and miss you. I hope you and Sal are doing well and are happy and joyful. I can't wait to see you after I get home from my mission. One of my goals is to attend the Philadelphia Temple. And, of course, your wedding. Do you have any definite plans or date yet? I'm excited for you. What have you been up to? Any painting? You and Sal should get out and walk together--that's something grandpa & I did and it really is a relationship strenghner (is that a word?) Send me a letter, your mom has my address. I got 2 letters from people in my church stake that I don't even know--really sweet. Love you lots, grams

I think I've mentioned that Sister Call and I are determined to not have any regrets when we return from our mission. We do not want to have anyone ask us if we saw something in particular while we were in Scotland and have to say no! Saturday is our only free day, our P-day (preparation), so we get up early, clean house, throw laundry in and take off. No matter how tired we are when we end our day we grocery shop and I finish preparing my youth Sunday school lesson. Did I mention that I teach the 12-17-year-olds every Sunday? They can't give me a calling because I am a full-time missionary, but they have asked me to take an indefinite assignment. It is a very wide age range and sometimes difficult to reach the minority of 12 yr-olds. It's a challenge! my companion plays the organ for sacrament meetings and also helps new members with their genealogy. So, for us, every day is a busy day.

My life is full here in Scotland--I love the country and the people. Who wouldn't love a country that has places called Firth of Forth and Kingdom of Fife!

NOTE: Hi mom, how you doing? I hope you are still enjoying my blogs. It's finally a Spring weather few days here in Scotland. I was able to wear only a sweater the last few days. Do you still have snow there? What a winter, huh? I haven't been in a real winter in many years, but really needed coats, boots, hats, and mittens this winter. Are you still listening to books on tape? There is a good book called Orphan Train. It does have a few swear words in it, but I think you would really like it (the book, not the swear words LOL). My companion and I listen to tapes while we are "out wandering" in the car. Well, all of my grandchildren and great-grandchildren are always in my prayers. And, of course, they are all wonderful. My children are all busy and seem happy. I can't wait to see them all when I return from my mission. I'm going to visit all of them (and you) after I return--whether they want me or not! LOL It'll be fun to have 2 new baby boys to get to know. Stay well and happy. I love you.

NOTE: Hi Holly, how are you feeling? I would love to see a picture of your "baby tummy". What is your actual due date? I'm thinking it might be close to Julia's. So neat that you are both having boys. How old will Norah be when you have the baby? Does she understand that she is going to have a little brother? I was wondering the other day if you had gone back to work at Costco. Please give your mom and grandma my love and best wishes. Lots of hugs to you and your family--love to all. grams