Falkirk Wheel

It’s been another beautiful day here in Scotland! We’ve spent most of the day exploring Falkirk, which I enjoyed immensely. Early this morning after breakfast, I went with Dr. Wood, Derek, and Niki to pick up our teams bus passes. Once we had those in hand, we all walked to the bus stop with Falkirk as our destination and headed out.

After arriving, we were given a few hours to explore the town and do some shopping. I loved looking at all the beautiful buildings, but was surprised to find most of the shops to be very americanized. It was pretty chilly out, so Brittni, Kelsey, and I headed to a local coffee shop, Costa’s, to warm up. It was similar to the American Starbucks, and I had a delicious caramel latte =)

We then headed to lunch at the York Café for soup and sandwiches. After a great morning, and full bellies, we took another bus and headed to ride the famous Falkirk Wheel. It was cold and rainy most of the time, but that didn’t stop us from having a blast! Here are some pictures I took:

We got back to Carronvale just in time for supper. We had all worked up quite an appetite from walking around all day, so I was excited to see we were having chicken and rice to eat, with apple pie for dessert. During dinner, our Methodists friends from England came to join us, and while we were finishing up eating, one of the women named Diane had a seizure! It was really startling and scary, especially because we found out she didn’t have a history of having seizures. Dr. Wood did an amazing job tending to her, and we called an ambulance. She seemed like she was doing alright when she left, but we’re still praying for her!

After dinner, we had a time of worship with the Methodists, which was really unique. Right after, some of us walked over to the gym and I ran a few miles which felt good. I just got back to my room, and we’re about to have tea time =) Here are a few more pictures for you to enjoy!

Scotland, Day One

Well, I'm thankful to say I didn't end up missing my flights, or sitting by a smelly, drooling man ;) Quite the contrary infact. On my flight from NY to Scotland, I actually sat beside a really sweet couple who have been married ten years, and are going back to Scotland to renew their vows. They got married in a castle over in Scotland...SO neat! Here are a few pictures from my perspective during the long flight over:

After a long day of traveling, and my mind and body resisting the cruel adaption to the time change, I have finally arrived in Scotland, and it's simply incredible! Right now I want more than anything to curl up in my bed and not open my eyes until the morning, but unfortunately, I can't. All part of the price you pay for adjusting to jet lag =)

Kelsey and I on the bus in Scotland. On our way to the Carronvale House

It's already been a busy day. Everyone's bags arrived, and we waited in the airport an hour after our flight landed for our bus to pick us up. Wow, the house we're staying in is beautiful! Despite extreme exhaustion, I already love it here! Of course, I had no doubts I would, but still, it's a calm assurance nontheless. Here is a picture of our beautiful home:

Our cook Ernie made us some breakfast, and we were off on our first adventure: The grocery store and bank. Well, as it turns out, it became quite the adventure, as nearly all of our group got lost, hahaha. Anyways, we all ended up back together, and on our way back from the market, got lost...AGAIN. I really don't think these Scottish people know how to give directions to clueless, wandering Americans =)

Tonight at dinner, a group of methodists came into the dining hall and sang for us. They were so sweet. Dr. Wood introduced our group to them, and we sang the song, "Father God" for them.

I love the people here. Their hearts are so full of joy and love. Tonight after dinner, we went over to the church Adam and Melanie are working with, and hung out and played games with some of the youth and members of the church. It was a blast (though I think I have some scars and a broken nail from an intense game of spoons,lol).

I'm still here, approaching the quiet place before bed, sitting with legs hanging over the bedside, a full stomach, and God's perfect peace nestled in my heart. I’m simply doing my best to take in all the sights, sounds, newness, beauty, and wonder of this new place I will call my home this summer. May I see the world daily through new, fresh eyes, and be ever mindful of the daily blessings I have in living another day.

Monday, May 23rd, 2011

Night before leaving for Scotland:

Traveling is no new thing for me, yet somehow, each opportunity to travel the world brings forth its own newness, excitement, and anticipation. It’s hard to believe that I leave tomorrow to go to Scotland! Even as I’m writing this, I’m saying aloud to myself, “Natalie, you’re going to Scotland tomorrow!” (Which I’m sure looks quite ridiculous). Maybe it’s derangement and sheer exhaustion from a busy week with family and packing all day, but the reality hasn’t quite set in yet that I’m spending my summer overseas.

The night before a big adventure like this, my mind runs rampant with excitement and curiosity. Will I miss my flight? What kind of questionable food will they try to force me to eat on the plane? Do they really think that using my seat as a flotation device will work if our plane crashes in the Ocean? Am I again to repeat the ever so dreadful flight next to the strange man who takes up his seat and half of mine, has crusts around the corner of his lips from drooling, and smells like he just showered in vomit? What will the people be like? Will I be able to understand them through their thick accents? How will the school be different there than in America? And on and on it goes…questions never ending in my mind, and answers zooming around like a scrabble game.

So many questions, so much left to do, and so little time before I will find out some of these answers!

I’m going to Scotland. I, Natalie Freeman, am leaving tomorrow morning for Scotland. Whew, what a life! Scotland, Ireland, and Italy, here I come!

Scotland Field Trip

Saturday, March 26th, 20011

My Scotland teams went on a field trip to Little Rock today, and we had an incredible time laughing, learning, and bonding with each other! I am SO excited for Scotland this summer, and incredibly grateful for such a fun group of people to experience it with!

Here is a top 10 list today of things we learned (complete with  quotes for your entertainment).


1. Tours are so much more entertaining with Dr. Woods handheld boombox    " Make your smart remarks now and get it over with!" -Dr. Wood




2. Mini busses do not have to abide by rules demanded of "regualar buses"
    " Oops, did that sign say no busses? Well, it's doesn't say no MINI buses!" -Dr. Wood

3. Inappropriate things might be heard from  the back of the bus 
     "Diarrhea!!!!!! Ummm...sorry guys, scrabble..." - Niki Hitt

4. Know where the restrooms are located at all times
    " I have a bladder the size of a polly pocket!" -Emma Poe

5. Bill Clintons life is not nearly as interesting as the Dr. Suess playstation

We got to make our own Dr. Deuss Characters at the Clinton Library

6. Niki is really a superhuman spy. She was caught pick pocketing locks, making questionable phone calls, and "walking on water"

7. All we know about Derek is that he's from Weattherford, OK
    " Oh, my boyfriend is from Weatherford, TX..." -Caity Oliver

8. We make for some very attractive fish

After eating lunch at the Flying Fish

9. Dr. Wood can sometimes be seen under the disguise of Humpty Dumpty
  " Ahhh...don't push, don't push! WOAH...!!!" -Dr. Wood while trying to get over a wall...I wish I
      had caught this moment on camera!

10. This summer in Scotland is going to be AMAZING!

Scotland Team, Summer 2011

A note that melted my heart

Friday, March 18th: Later that afternoon

As I was frantically packing and attempting to finish all I needed to  get done before the long drive back to Arkansas, the doorbell rang. I opened it to find three precious angels, Ava, Annika, and Lily, who were holding a note for me. I took the note and couldn't hold my tears back.
They had written me a note after I left them at school, and had everyone sign it, including my old 3rd grade teacher Ms. Samide, and Mr. O, the school principal.

This is what the note said:

Dear Natalie,
We love u! Why did  you have to leave? =( After you left we were heartbroken. Your smile lights up the world. all the girls you met today will never forget it. When you talk it's like music to our ears. You are so smart, nice, and pretty. Keerrigan says "Hi!"" (she's the funny one). You are fabulous! Jesse (the girl that acted like a soilder) says that you're her idol. You should teach at Hygiene! Please....we are soooooo so SOO sad 'cuz you left. =( Please come back to Hygiene!

Then on the bottom of the note about 20 little girls had signed their names, drawn hearts, and little notes. It was precious!

Here are some pictures of me saying by to Ava, Annika, and Lily:

Ava, Lily, and Annika

A Wonderful Surprise

Friday, March 18th, 2011


How do words on a page even begin to describe memories that were made today? How can my human processing and faltering words depict the way my heart was touched by children and their love for me?
Last night while we were playing school, all the little girls were begging me to come each lunch with them at school the next day, (which happened to be my last day home for Spring Break). I told them I didn't want to make a promise I couldn't keep, but that I would try to come see them tomorrow before I left for school.

This morning I woke up excited to surprise all of the girls at school. I arrived a few min. early, so after signing in at the office and fastening my fashionable visitors badge to my cardigan sweater, I headed to Ava's classroom. It just so happened that she not has the same teacher I had when I was in 3rd grade, (Ms. Samide).
I could hear all the children bustling around the classroom, making their way into an orderly line for lunch. The door creaked open. and my old teacher, Ms. Samide, came out from around the corner. Startled to see me, she stepped back and said, "Natalie?" We exchanged quick hello's and hugs. and suddenly, a very beautiful little girl was jumping into my arms =)


Ava and I walked hand in hand to the cafeteria, and I smiled as she talked quickly and excitedly! As we walked around the corner, Annika saw me and ran across the cafeteria shouting, "Natalie!!!!! You came, you came, I'm so happy you came!"
In an instant, little girls lunch boxes and laughter were swarming all around me.

It was beautiful. I loved every moment <3

Girls and boys all around me were whispering, "It's her, It's her...", so I asked Annika how they all knew who I was. She proudly stated, "Natalie, everyone knows who you are. I talked about you today at show and tell. My teacher knows all about you!"
What can you even do but smile after hearing that!?!
After eating lunch we went out for recess. All the kids showed me around and clung to my arms. The whole time we played, they shouted proclamations of me being their new best friend =) I was so incredibly humbled and awestruck by the love and acceptance these children had for a complete stranger. I only knew Ava and Annika, but they introduced to to all their friends. Here is a picture with these sweet girls. It was pajama day at school: God, you work in BEAUTIFUL ways!

After recess was over, I went and met Annika's  teacher and said my goodbyes to the kids. Some of them were in tears begging me to stay. I was again, humbled by their love. I saw before me precious kids who just wanted to be loved.

As I walked past the teachers lounge I heard someone say, "Natalie Freeman?" I turned around, and standing there was my old elementary school principle, Mr. O, and Mrs. Sandoval. I hadn't seen either of them since I was in 4th grade! It was a wonderful reunion, and they were both ecstatic to hear that I am going to school to be a teacher!


It's days like today that I simply cannot wait to be a teacher.
God, I pray that you continue to help me touch the lives of children all over the world. and use me as a tool to pour out the love you have given me into the lives of others!
May YOUR glory be shown in and through me!

The Sweetest Reunion

Thursday, March 17th, 2011: Spring Break (My blog wasn't working for a while, so these are the actual dates these events happened).

There isn't anything in the world that fills my heart more than God pouring our His love on me through children. They receive me with love and acceptance in it's purest form.

As I was walking outside to the car on my way to get coffee with a friend, I saw little Ava across the street. I called her name, and as she turned and met my eyes, the scene that unfolded was like that of a movie. Time stood still as she dropped everything in her hands, and ran full speed towards me with arms open wide, and a huge smile that would melt anyone's heart in an instant. She yelled, "NATALIE", as she bounded across the street towards me and jumped into my arms.

It was a beautiful moment.

Her arms latched around my neck tightly, as we both poured out how much we had missed each other. I have been watching Ava and her brothers since Ava was a little baby. I can't believe she is in 3rd grade this year! Time goes by so quickly....Here are some pictures of Ava and her brothers, Jacob and Liam:

Ava's mom came over, and after hugs and kisses, she told me they were having a St. Patricks day party and would love for me to come. I already had plans, but I told her I would stop by after I got home.

As I rang the doorbell a few hours later, I was welcomed by 9 little girls screaming my name and jumping up and down. Everyone at the party knew I had arrived, as all of the kids were shouting, "MOM, DAD, Natalie is here, Natalie is here!" They had been waiting hours for me. My face was glowing =)

I was immediately pulled down to the basement, where all the girls were waiting to play school. They had everything all set up, even a white board which read, "We love Ms. Natalie." All the girls sat around me on the floor, begging me to teach. It was a moment I will never forget!

They wanted to learn geography, so I shared with themd stories from when I went to Africa. After, we made a list on the whiteboard of all the animals we could brainstorm that might live in Africa. Once our list was made, I gave them each paper and pens and asked them to draw one of the animals and write a fact about their animal. After, we went around the room and shared them. They were SO cute!

Tonight God reminded me of His love for me by the love I was shown through these children.

It's moments like these that I cannot wait to be a teacher and see how God will use me in that role to change lives, and to be changed =)