I have been in the UK for one week, and a FULL week it has been! I have spent the majority of my time in and around Glasgow, Scotland with the Wright and Glasgow families (Heidi and Ellen), and with another former missions teammate, Peter Trotter.

We were able to go to worship services in Newton Mearns, and spend some time viewing historical areas near Stirling and Edinburg. I was also able to see Glasgow University and Pollok Park, sample many traditional Scottish foods, and I enjoyed a full Scottish breakfast on the morning of my travel to Birmingham (thanks, Heidi)! Thomas and Matthew Wright entertained me with their bagpipes and full kilts as well. I have much to share with you all and my students about Scottish tradition when I return home in January!

On Tuesday, I flew into Birmingham and then took a train into Shrewsbury, Wales to spend time with members of the Bendall family, who were recently in Thailand. While at their home in Chirk, I reconnected with Yvonne, Esther and Hannah Batchelor, with whom I worked in Thailand in 2006. I was able to talk wth Yvonne about my upcoming trip this June and discuss recent happenings and developments among the children and staff at the Kids Life Orphanage in Fang, where she has been working since January 2008. 

Yvonne recently returned to the UK on December 6th for the Christmas holidays and will head back to her ministry work at Kids Life in Thailand  on January 12th.

From Wales, I traveled by train on December 24th back into Birmingham to meet with Jennie Potter, a friend and former missions teammate from Thailand (2006). Jennie was at Kids Life in Fang just last July with another teacher from the UK.

After a welcome from Mary (Jennie's sister) and their friend Jo, we traveled on to Redditch to meet her parents and prepare for our evening celebration.


We spent a wonderful Christmas Eve together with her family singing Christmas carols, reading scripture and bringing in Christmas morn with prayer. Of course we did play a few games and we shared much laughter as well!

This morning we walked through the town of Redditch and talked about the needs of the local people and the spiritual battles that are within the community. We had a great Christmas service at her church where her father and mother, Stuart and Margaret Potter, lead the ministry.  Mary Potter is also on staff as the family worker, working in many programs with children and youth in Redditch.

We had a full Christmas dinner and had a nice afternoon walk around a small lake in nearby Arrow Valley Country Park before exchanging gifts. 

My plans are to return to Glasgow late tomorrow afternoon, and I will add more details and photos of my activities when I have the next opportunity.


Yes, the weather is cold, and at times wet, but I have found much warmth among my friends and their families, and among the wonderful people I have met along my trip so far!



More news soon!

Love ,

Ruthie :-)