I'm home, my dear ones. :)

Dear Friends,

It has been such a joy to write to you all, during this long journey. I’ve been honored to be given the privilege of your company and concern, even though we’re thousands of miles from one another. Thank you so much for you love, your prayers, and your encouragement which has continually allowed me to know that I am in your hearts and our Heavenly Father’s, as well. You are all deeply appreciated, and I wanted to take one more opportunity of writing to you, before I begin my journey homeward.

I’ve safely returned back to Glasgow, late this afternoon. The past several days, leading unto this one, have been truly blessed and very wonderful. The last time I wrote, I was mentioning some of the remembrances of our time in Ireland. God brought us back to Dumbarton, through a surprisingly uneventful trip. After the past many passages, this was an unusual blessing, indeed. :) We remained in Dumbarton, only a few hours; Aimee’s mother had arranged for us to stay with family in Montrose, and we were due there by evening. The following three days were such a gift to us.

Once in Montrose, we were hosted by a caring and elderly widower named John. He took especially great delight in cooking warm, homemade meals for me, my brother, and my friend, Aimee. He and Brent got along famously…they both love to talk. :) John was so gracious and made me feel, for once, as though I’d actually come to a place like home. It was a tremendous blessing just to be loved. This sweet man was so thrilled that we had come and given him company. Yet, I was simply glad that we could bless him, in some way.

Montrose became a haven to me…a place full of life and joy. On Friday, we walked the mile’s length into town and visited the Continental Market. The market had come to the city for only two days, and we found it during its last day here. Peddlers had come from all over Europe. There were stalls full of fresh-baked Parisian bread, candies of every color under heaven, huge rounds of Italian cheese, a vendor with delectable Spanish food, fragrant soaps from the South of France, cookies from a small bakery in Brittany, and so much more. I so loved the sights and scents of the central square’s tented crowds and wares.

The next day, Aimee and I traveled with Brent to Edinburgh. Earlier in my tour here, I had already gone through this wonderful city, so rich in history and significance. All throughout Brent’s stay here, I had so wanted to bring him to Edinburgh, and I was blessed, indeed, that everything finally worked out just perfectly so he could journey there. The weather, that Saturday, was uncommonly lovely. For hours, we walked the streets…reading plaques, tracing history, finding special gifts, and taking in the beauty of hundreds of years’ testimony to faithfulness, dignity, and conviction.

On Sunday morning, I had the great joy of going to the Kirk (the High Kirk of Scotland, the Presbyterian Church) with a sweet family member of Aimee’s, Aunt Mary. This aged woman was so precious and afforded my heart such encouragement. So greatly I’ve missed the opportunities to be in the house of God, and Aunt Mary brought us to her own sanctuary. We sat together in the hundred-year-old oaken pews, sang absolutely gorgeous songs of worship, and heard a sermon rich in truth from the aged Reverend. It was really a sweet highlight of the whole trip.

Later on that afternoon, I took Brent with me into Arbroath. This town held the glorious abbey in which was signed the Treaty of Arbroath, the Scottish mirroring of our Declaration of Independence. This abbey is little more than ruins now, but to me, it stands as a silent prayer, a plea to Heaven for another rebirth in this nation…a liberation of souls unto the Lordship of our precious Christ.

One of the only areas still standing is the sacristy. This certuries-worn room endured years, completely unsheltered from either storm or sun. The stone walls are eroded deeply, and the carvings are not so fine as they once were, but there is a certain peace and holiness that has come to dwell within its expanse. In this special place, one can sing, and a voice reverberates, seemingly without end, as though it were to reach unto the very throne of God.

Today, I’ve been able to make a lengthy passage from Montrose to Glasgow. We stopped for a little while in Dunfermline. It was a lovely place, but there was more that drew me to this city very near the Firth of Forth. Forty years ago, one of my grandfathers pastured a large church there; I wanted to return to a place that had held such significance to him. I found the glorious, granite building and found myself standing there, asking that the Lord would bless me with even a portion of the godliness that is so beautifully rooted in the heart of my blessed grandfather.

Tonight, after checking into our hotel very near the Glasgow airport, I set out on my one, remaining mission of the heart…I longed to return to Hinshaw Street. This is the place in which one of my dearest instruments was made, a beautiful violin. It was made fashioned there by John M. Crindle in the year 1875. As long as I can remember, I’ve desired to return to the place in which was birthed a instrument that so fostered a love in my heart, a love for worshipping my Savior. It was not very long until I was standing on a quiet street corner of Hinshaw and Maryhill streets, reminiscing over the many years that have brought me to this place of such gratitude to my Heavenly Father, thinking over His faithfulness that has borne me thus far. How good He is to His children!

In just a few hours, I’m to rise and begin my flights homeward. I’ve been richly blessed during these many weeks…whether through the struggle of “loving-in-spite…” or in the sweetness of knowing I am the one who has been loved, I’ve learned such a great deal. God has brought my heart to the realization of so many wondrous truths of His character and compassion, and I pray He will give me the strength to continue onward in the path to which He’s set my feet—may I forever be faithful in carrying the fragrance of His beauty wherever I go.

I’ve so missed you all. God has kept me close to you in heart, but I long, once more, to see you, face to face. Pray that the Lord will guard me, during these final hours of my sojourning and bring me safely home to you, once more. May Christ be ever near you and richly bless you in all you do. I will be forever grateful for your prayers and concern, and I send my warmest greetings to each of you. All my love, dear ones…

Blessings Always,
Amy E. Salter

Dear Friends,

How beloved you have all been held in my memories during these past many days! There are no words that could come close to expressing my thankfulness for the prayers and love in which you have kept me. Life has been difficult, but God has been good. He has revealed so many lessons to be taken to heart, and I’ve tried to be a good steward of such costly gifts from His hand. Even in the midst of struggles, there has a been a certainty and sweetness of knowing Jesus is holding me close. He’s been so faithful, and I know I’m a blessed woman, indeed.

Two days ago, God provided an opportunity to come away for a time to Ireland. There was quite an adventurous journey that led to our finally reaching its emerald shores, however. Let it simply suffice to say, I’ll don’t have any intention of using another RyanAir flight as long as I live. :) For all the “misadventures” of Tuesday’s travels, everything was certainly exhilarating. Many diversions and delays were actually shadowings of God’s hand at work, trying to bless us. Through His “redirection” of our plans, we actually flew into Dublin, rather than the intended Lower Shannon area. This, however, is where everything grew far more interesting. We were able to take a bus all the way from Dublin to Shannon, a trip which took about five hours and wound its way through most every delightful town all the way across Ireland.

We arrived in Shannon, very late Tuesday night and found a wonderful hotel room awaiting us. The hotel was only a minute or two from the airport here. I walked through the embrace of the night’s raindrops, so dear to my soul, and the hotel’s front entry was just a few feet ahead of me. In the dim of twilight, stood several flags to greet me. There, at the farthest right, was my beloved “Red, White, and Blue.” Tears nearly came, as I saw the unexpected and comforting sight, a welcome which had not met my gaze in nearly a month. It was then that I truly realized how deeply I missed the land of my birth. Lord willing, the sunny shores of Texas will be near me again, very soon. In the meantime, Shannon’s hospitality has been truly wonderful.

Yesterday, Brent, Aimee, and I bussed our way over into Ennis, a charming town about twenty minutes from here. The village is renowned for its quaint shops, cozy restaurants, and age-old cobbled streets. Rain was coming down steadily all throughout the day…cold and blustery and somehow inexplicably refreshing to the senses. :) All the chimneys were softening the sky with gentle clouds of smoke, smoke which climbed upward until mingling with the mists of the afternoon. How wonderful it was to wind through the beautiful streets and soak in the liveliness of painted store fronts, make small talk with the friendly shop-keepers, and even settle into the cozy warmth of a booth with friends and partake of savoury soup and warm Irish soda bread. :)

For now, I’ll say farewell and assure you that God has been watching over me and has brought me such refreshment and joy. Whether in difficulty or in delight, all has been well, for I have felt “the sunshine of the Father’s face.” I love you all and will try to write again, as soon as the Lord allows me to find another source of internet access. In the days until then, just remember you’re all in my loving thoughts and prayers. I trust that you will hold me in yours, as well. God be with you, dear ones!

Blessings Always,
Amy

Hello, my dear friends! Yes, I'm still alive, and I so regret that I've not been able to reply sooner to all your warm wishes. Thank you so much for the notes and hellos; my countenance was truly lifted in encouragement.

The trip's been progressing just wonderfully, and I love Scotland more and more, with each passsing day. It's such an amazing land and culture, the history is incredible, and the beauty is breathtaking. All that to say, I can't wait to return home, Lord willing, and assemble a "real post" where I can actually do a good job of sharing the stories and photos. :)

Internet access has been a real "Waterloo." :) Even now, I've found a connection, and I'm up at "I don't even want to think what time it is over here" in a darkened hotel lobby, writing my heart out to all my loved ones--as quickly as I can, before my connection's heartless timer expires. :)

I think I'm going to attach a bit of a letter I penned, earlier today. Hopefully, it will give you a better glimpse into my life here. :)

"I’m writing from the beautiful seaside town of Oban, on the west side of Scotland. It’s a lovely day here, and I’ve found that that’s a rarity. For the last three days, I’ve seen naught but rain. Fortunately enough, I absolutely love such storms. It must all go back to my having grown up in drought-ridden Texas. :)

Yesterday, I took a ferry over to the Isle of Skye. The passage was wonderful, and the ferry was quite officially the largest ship in which I’ve ever found the sea. We were taken across the Sound of Sleat and spent a delightful afternoon on the grounds of the Armadale Castle.

I have absolutely fallen in love with the beauty here. Already, I’ve compiled a list of the locations to which I’ll certainly want to return someday. At present, the list is as follow: St. Margaret’s Chapel in Edinburgh, Arbroath Abbey—especially the sacristy, the village of Ballater, Dunnottar Castle off the eastern seacoast, and Glenfinnan in the deep Highlands.

I’ve learned so much, during these past days. History, especially as regards the Christian fathers of the faith, has been so rich, and it’s been wondrous to walk in the steps of such visionaries for God’s kingdom. I thought you might like to hear of the places through which I’ve traveled…

So far, I’ve journeyed to the town of Melrose and its Abbey; Abbottsford, the home of Sir Walter Scott; Edinburgh’s bustling shops, amazing Castle, St. Margaret’s Chapel (felt like hallowed ground), John Knox’s home, Greyfriar’s Cemetery (one of the greatest testaments to the Covenanters’ heart for God), St. Giles Cathedral (the High Kirk of Scotland and John Knox’s pulpit), the Palace and Abbey at Holyrood; the Antonine Wall dating back to 144 AD; Bannockburn; Stirling Castle; the Wallace Monument and its 256 winding spiral, stone steps :) ; Aberdeen; St. Andrews; Arbroath and its Abbey (which will ever hold my heart); Montrose; Dunnottar Castle (absolutely wondrous and bears quite a testimony to faithfulness); Banchory; the Deeside, Donside, and Speyside winding their way through the Highlands of Glenfinnan and Gainscheel; Culloden’s costly battlefield; Inverness; the Caledonian Canal; Loch Ness and the age-scarred Urquart Castle; the Isle of Skye; Glencoe; and the Isle of Iona (the birthplace of Christianity in the Scottish Isles—560 AD.)

I know that this seems to be quite a long and discursive list , but I thought it might be nice for you to see at least a sampling of the places to which I’ve traveled, thus far. Perhaps, one or more of them has held some place in your own life or the life of one you love. :) I know, most certainly, that all of them have secured a treasured hollow of my heart, a place that they will hold held for many, many years to come.

Ah, yes… I’m experiencing so many wondrous things, and my heart is much-warmed by the beauty and the passionate vision to which I am witness. I miss you, however, my dear ones, and I’ll be praying that God will hold you close while I may not. Just know that you are in my loving thoughts and remembrances; I can’t wait to return and tell you of all I’ve been taught…after I give you each a long-overdue Texan greeting. :)

Promise that you’ll keep me in your prayers, my dear brothers and sisters. In three days’ time, I will be joining the mission to which my service is pledged through the end of September. Much strength of heart, body, and mind will be necessary, and I’m just asking that God will continue in His faithfulness to provide such gifts of grace to me.

I’m so grateful for each of you. All my love, dear ones…"

I'd love to share some photos, as well, but for some reason, my google.uk just doesn't like that idea, in the least. :) You'll all have to be dears and simply bear with me, until a later time. I really miss talking with my sweet friends "out there," but please write whenever you're able, and I'll do my best to find another internet connection, as soon as possible.

May God be with all of you. I so appreciate everything and send much love, though it must travel quite a distance. :)

I’ve safely reached Scotland, and I love the countryside. It’s amazingly beautiful, here near Edinburgh, and the accents have been utterly delightful.  Today was my first day of the tour that is to last a week, and before much longer, I’ll be serving at Overtoun House in the vicinity of Glasgow. Such excitement fills my heart, as I await God’s hand at work. Actually, He is, even know, moving in His beauty through my life and the lives of all those He’s placed around me…I’m so grateful.

Internet access seems as though it will be scarce, so keep me in your prayers, please, but forgive me if I cannot say hello again for awhile.  May God keep you all in His wondrous grace. He has been so good to me, and I pray you shall feel the measureless depths of His love surrounding you, as well.

Good night!