Day 9

Rachel P. and Rachel C. will bring us our blog post for day 9:

"We started our last day in Scotland by climbing several hills (although they seemed a lot more like mountains). This was quite the treacherous hike, as we climbed seven miles in about four hours. We stopped for lunch along the way (and periodically to catch our breath as we scaled Everest). My favorite part of the hike was the abundance of sheep roaming around the hills. I may have tried to pet a few, but that didn't go well. It was very long and very steep, but I will admit that once we reached the highest point, it was awfully satisfying. The tops of the hills were in the clouds and the view was breathtaking. After a a quick photo-op and and a break to catch our breath, we headed back down the hills and went back to our host-homes to recuperate.

Later in the evening, we had the pleasure of attending a ceilidh (a type of Scottish hoe-down) at MBC.  The young people at the church had organized this ceilidh to help raise funds for a couple of girls who were going on short-term missions trips to Tanzania and Colombia! We spent the night learning traditional Scottish dances and having a great time with our friends. At the end of the night, we had to say our last goodbyes to many of our friends. We left teary-eyed and sniffling, as it was tough to leave such an amazing group of people. Despite the somber end, today was a great way to end our extraordinary experience in Scotland!" - Rachel Crowl

"Our last day in Scotland started with a brisk walk up a hill. A 4-hour 7-mile brisk walk to be exact. Paul, a Scotland hills enthusiast led us up three peaks of the Pentland hills. The height combined with Scotland's low clouds meant we were actually walking through clouds! While the walk was tough at times, it was worth it to explore Scotland's nature. 

After the walk, we headed back to our homes to pack, clean, and get ready for the final event of the week, a ceilidh (pronounced Kay-lee). A ceilidh is a tradional gaelic gathering which involves music and dancing similar to square dancing. This ceilidh was in support of two girls who were going off to do short-term missions this summer.  This was a great way to end our time with the people of musselburgh baptist church. We had fun learning the "flying Scotsman" and the very dizzy-ing "Strip the willow."

The music wound down and we topped off the night with "500 miles." Good-byes followed with plenty of hugs and pictures and "see you laters." We're sad to be leaving the people of Musselburgh baptist church who have been incredible hosts to us. There has been much mutual encouragement between the churches.

Now time to pack up and head out early tomorrow morning. We'll see you all soon!" - Rachel Peteya