It's been too long- I know. In the last four weeks I've been from Scotland to Malta and back to Switzerland in between! It's been a crazy time- but a time full of blessings as well!
In Scotland I had the chance to spend time with good friends, eat lots of good Thanksgiving food, and see St. Andrews and Edinburgh! It was a week off, and it both restored me and filled me with a new sense of urgency for my youth in the 7 short months I have left in youth ministry!
After Scotland I returned to Lausanne for a week and then it was off to a conference in Malta put on by EYCE and FEMYSO. The conference was on "gender and religion", and proved to be quite an interesting experience. I made some great connections, 
and got a chance to see where the inter-religious dialogue and gender dialogue is at present in certain European circles. Many thanks to the Philadelphia Presbytery and my home church, Forest Grove, for supporting my trip to the conference! I should have more up on the 
subject soon!
As for now, it's full steam ahead! There's a nativity program rehearsal and play this weekend, along with Christmas parties for my teens and my tweens! As the snow continues to fall and Christmas music sounds throughout the streets, I look forward to the small army that will gather here just a few days after Christmas. My brother, sister-in-law and best friend are coming to visit, and we'll be squeezing into my apartment for a few days!
May God bless you in this season of Advent. Come, Lord Jesus!
I am weary with my crying; my throat is parched. My eyes grow dim with waiting for my God.
(Ps 69.3)
Hi my beloved! I stop by & check your site now & again. It is good to be 'in the know'. I miss you greatly. I love you & wish you a blessed Christmas! La
Posted by: favorite sister | December 13, 2005 at 08:26 PM
Great site! And thanks for your thoughts and experiences in Scotland.
Blessings. Matthew
Posted by: Matthew Paul Turner | December 14, 2005 at 05:04 AM
Abby, I think it's amazing how much you've accomplished. You were truly born for this task. I remember it like it was yesterday when I felt like I held the world on my shoulders and you hugged me and helped me realize I wasn't alone( that moment of panic before our choir concert in high school-I'm sure there were more!) I'll never forget that. Thanks for all that you do! Good luck to you, have a Glorious Christmas and holiday season, and I hope I will get to see you when you return to the states! Love, Jac
Posted by: Jackie Wright | December 23, 2005 at 06:47 AM
Abby- just letting you know I checked out your blog. I hope your Christmas was merrry and happy New Year.
Posted by: amy | December 31, 2005 at 05:50 AM