A Little Catching Up

Hello All... once again, so sorry for the delay in posting. We've been busy, but I cannot use that as an excuse for not posting as there have been several evenings when I could've easily have done so, but have not felt the motivation.
The past few weeks have flown by. With the ending of British Summer Time this past Sunday (equivalent to Daylight Savings Time), our hours of daylight have quickly diminished and now the sun is setting around 5:30. I know that this is not that big of a deal, but just knowing that sunset will quickly go from 5:30 to 4ish I must admit, depresses me. (Especially since in the summer it was setting at 10:30.) So Tristan and I try to enjoy the sun as much as possible while it's out. We both went for a walk/run on Monday morning and this morning, as we woke up to glorious sunshine both days. We're taking our good days when we can get them. The past few weeks have also been terribly rainy, not just here, but all over Britain. One area even got a whole month's worth of rain in 24 hours! Atrocious winds have accompanied the rain and have made our street look like this...

Can you see where the sidewalk is supposed to be by the trees? And yes, most of those are green leaves that were blown off.
In other news, Tristan and I, along with Danny and Jie, are going to be visiting church members, Mike and Joan, at their other house near Ardnamurchin in about two weeks time. Ardnamurchin is on Scotland's west coast. Mike and Joan extended an open invitation to visit them there any time, and we are now finally able to take them up on it. It will also be a wonderful time of fellowship with Danny and Jie as we will ride up there together and stay for 3 nights. I'm really looking forward to seeing more of that part of Scotland!

Fun with Friends

Earlier this week Tristan and I went to the city of Perth with our friend David and his son Cameron. While there we visited Scone (Scone rhymes with tune) Palace. The palace is still home to the Earls of Mansfield. The palace is famous for being the place where Scottish Kings were crowned. We had a lot of fun walking the grounds and touring the palace.

Sitting pretty on the "Crown of Destiny", the seat where Kings sat to be crowned.
It was a beautiful day!

Tristan, David, and Cameron walking the grounds.

Redwood trees planted on the grounds.

Cameron posing pretty for the camera. Such a cutie pie!

Father and son.

Stop or I'll...

My admiring fan, that is to say my wife, has been waiting in anticipation (or annoyance) for me to recount the riveting tale of Triddy's Trouble with Transatlantic Driving (title is very much a work in progress). As you may or may not know there are several differences when driving in America and driving in Scotland. The two major differences being the driver's side of the car is on the right and you drive on the left side of the road. This can cause some problems when switching from one country to the other; we don't have the time nor the energy to go into our problems with this. However, there is one other major difference between the two countries. America likes their stop signs and Scotland likes their roundabouts and giveway (yield) signs.
Now being the cultural enthusiast that I am, I have fully adopted the roundabout/giveway system. I have made it my own so that I can blend more in the culture and be a positive light for Christ. Again, we do not have the time to explore the wonderful benefits of this system but let's just say they are many. So before you judge me after you read this story, remember that I was just trying to become all things, a roundabout-givewayer, to all men so that I might save a few...or something like that. Oh...and have pity on me because this happened on my birthday after I had cut my lip on the tin foil of a Chipotle Burrito and it wouldn't stop bleeding for the entire meal.
15th September 2008, 17:35: Mardel Bookstore Edmond, OK
Leslie: Tristan, Jonathan it is time to go. We have to be at Oklahoma Christian University for our presentation in Outreach at 18:00 hours. It is critical to the Time Space Continuum that we arrive early to set up and be prepared.
Tristan: Yeah, even though it only takes five to seven minutes to get over there we should go.
15th September 2008, 17:38: Mardel Bookstore Parking Lot Edmond, OK
Tristan: Put on your seat belts, it's warp speed ahead.
15th September 2008, 17:43 or 17:45: OC Bible Building Parking Lot Edmond, OK
Narrator: As Tristan exits the vehicle he notices that the Gas Guzzling OC Security Truck has pulled up directly behind his vehicle. Curious to know what this is about, suspecting it might have be about the wee bit of speeding through the campus, Tristan completes his exit from the Dodge Stratus.
Tristan: Hi
In Tristan's Head: Maybe a friendly greeting and a nice, apprehensive smile might soften a potential blow.
Security: Do you know why I have stopped here?
Narrator: She says in a firm, unrelenting tone with pending punishment on her voice. Apparently Tristan has lost some of his boyish smile charm...got to work on that buddy!
Tristan: No, not really.
In Tristan's Head: Probably because I was speeding, although I think it is in the rule book of never admitting to the officer that you know what you were stopped for.
Narrator: Tristan's last words spoken with utter bewilderment, and a slight shake to his voice. Whereas the exchange of this introductory dialogue has only taken but a few seconds, neither Security nor Tristan ever stopped their slow approach toward each other.
Suddenly, Security turns 45 degrees to her left, places her left hand near her waist, stretches out her right hand, raises the volume of her voice and strengthens the tone of her words saying:
Security: DON'T COME ANY CLOSER
Narrator: Tristan sees his life flash before his eyes, his exact 26 years flash before his eyes because it is his birthday. He takes a minimal half step back, almost afraid to move, raises his hands partially, shots out a couple short breaths of laughter mixed with fear and says:
Tristan: I don't know what's going on here.
Security: You just blew through two stop signs!
Narrator: Tristan looks over his shoulder in the direction he just came from fully convinced that she was mistaken and that there could not have been stop signs there because he didn't stop or was it he didn't need to stop.
Tristan: Did I really? I am so sorry; I honestly did not see them.
Security: Are you a student on at this university?
Tristan: No, I am just a visitor.
Narrator: Tristan saying these last words with a hint of confused hope, maybe he won't have to get a ticket.
Security: If you wish to continue visiting this campus you will obey the traffic laws.
Narrator: She said with malice in her message because the opportunity to inflict a punishment on a poor college student had slipped through her fingers.
Tristan: I will, thank you
Narrator: Tristan blundered while still holding his breath, waiting for her to enter her Gas Guzzling Truck so he can breath a sigh of relief. Security returned to her vehicle, drove the twenty second drive to the adjacent terrace where she parked like a hawk to watch Tristan's next movements. And there she remained until Tristan had departed the Campus over an hour later, this time making sure to come to complete five second stops at the two stop signs. After she moved over to the terrace, Leslie and Jonathan exploded into laughter
Leslie: What did she think you were going to do?
Narrator: Jonathan, mimicking the over zealous Security personal, put his hand out
Jonathan: Don't come any closer.
Narrator: Laughter erupted again.
Tristan: I don't know...I...unbelievable...I really did not see them. I did what we do in Scotland, I looked thoroughly to make sure no cars were coming and when I saw there weren't, I just went. We really don't have stop signs in Stirling. I can think of two and even then I only can remember where one of them is at. We just use the roundabouts and yield signs, if no one is coming then you have the right of way.
Narrator: Tristan explained this for Jonathan's benefit and to much his own trying to justify why he had completely missed the stop signs. And that is the tale of Tristan's Trouble with Transatlantic Driving, that and it is actually pretty hard to drive over the Atlantic.

Hope you enjoyed that. If you didn't laugh at that, maybe you can laugh at the picture below. As a suggestion from my psychologist, he said that it would help me get through the coping process of this traumatic event if I did a little art therapy. So amuse yourself even more with my humiliating drawing.

U.S. Trip Stravaganza

After three weeks, seven flights and six states we have returned back to our home in Scotland. We had the most marvelous time visiting family and friends. The following will be a photo tour of our time. We began our visit in sunny California (Aug 23) with Tristan's brother Troy and his family. We got to meet our new niece Taylor first time. We had a great time at the beach and on Santa Monica's 3rd street promenade.

Trid, Les, Trey, Nicole and Troy at the Getty Museum.


Tristan and Trey.
Taylor and Leslie.

We continued our visit in Texas (Aug 25) with Tristan's other brother Travis and his family, also meeting our other new niece, Chloe for the first time. Travis was a great cook. Thanks for the salsa and homemade icecream. We're so happy we were able to spend time with them, however short it was!

Leslie and Chloe.

Noah and Tristan playing together.
Our next stop was Colorado (Aug 27) to visit Tristan's parents. We had a great time at the presidential experience exhibit while it was in town during the Democratic National Convention. We also we able to go to the mountains for a picnic and a drive up Mount Evans. It was a wonderful time with great company!

Tristan's parents, Jim and Brenda, posing at the presidential podium.


One of about 30 mountain goats we saw on our drive up Mount Evans. (Yes, he's sticking his tongue out at you!)
Us at the summit, 14,264 feet.

Our travels continued in Oklahoma (Aug 30), where my Uncle Nick picked us up. He held a sign for "Mr. and Mrs. Haagis McBlocky". Hilarious!
We went to church at Memorial Road in Edmond where Tristan gave a presentation of our work during a class and then off to Muskogee.

Girls reunited in Muskogee, OK (Aug 31)! My sis Jenna, mom Nancy, sis Callie and me at my Grandparents 50th wedding anniversary party.
Me and my Grandma Rose.

My brother Derek and his girlfriend Megan.

My family: Les, Trid, Mom, Dad, Callie, Jenna and Derek.

And on to Windom, Kansas (Sept 2), but only for an evening to catch Callie's volleyball game. She's a senior this year and just pretty much an awesome person.
The next morning we were off to Wichita to visit our previous employers. Tristan gave another presentation at the Assisted Living Home where he used to work. We had a meal with a Northside church family that evening and attended church that evening.

Then up to Blair, Nebraska (Sept 4) the following morning to go visit Tristan's Grandma Pearl. It was wonderful to be able to visit with her and some of Tristan's other family that live in Blair.

That evening we traveled over to Albion to spend about a day and a half with more family. Here we are with Tristan's cousins, Spencer and Dustin. It was great to be able to watch Spencer play football and visit with aunts and uncles and grandparents.

Tristan's Grandparents: Grandpa and Grammy

Aaaannnnddd... back to Kansas (Sept 6). By this time I (Leslie) am feeling pretty icky with a cold. But, my parents surprised Tristan and I (especially me) with celebrating our birthdays that evening. I assumed they would celebrate Tristan's, since it was on the 15th, but I had no clue about mine. It was great!

Sunday we worshipped with the Windom Church of Christ. Tristan had a full plate, with presenting our work during class time and preaching during worship. He did a great job, such a proud wife here! It was so wonderful to be with the church that I grew up in.

That afternoon Tristan and I absolutely crashed! We were shattered from all of the traveling we had done up to that point. We laid on my parent's lovely reclining love seat and watched a movie. That evening I went to bed rather early, since I still wasn't feeling that great. At around midnight I started getting up to throw up and like clockwork every 20 to 30 minutes until four in the morning I was tossing my cookies until there were no cookies left. Amazingly enough, the next morning I felt better, my cold even seemed to be gone!

That week, my new cousin was born. My cousin Justin, and his wife Krista, had their first child Kate. We were so glad to be able to go and visit them in their beautiful house.

Probably one of the funniest things that's ever happened in my life occured on this trip. I was able to get my sister, Callie, to teach Tristan her cheerleading dance one night. Callie and I were absolutely rolling and crying with laughter. I love that my husband is such a good sport and an awesome dancer!
We are so thankful for the time we were able to visit with family! Tristan and my cousin Kyler.

Brother and Sister: Kyler and Jaylie

One thing that really worked out during our trip is that our very good friend Jonathan was able to visit the States at the same time as us. It had been over 2 years since we last saw him! Good buddies and college roomies: Jonathan and Tristan.Saturday (Sept 13) we were able to have lunch with some of our friends from college/Northside. In the evening my dear sweet friends Jennifer and Donna organized and hosted a party for us. It was wonderful to see so many of our young adult friends again and so many new babies added to their families since we've been in Scotland.

On Sunday Tristan again presented our work during class time and preached during worship. Jonathan led singing. :)

Friends! Sam, Ryan, Me, Trid, Jonathan, Paul and Stacey. Ryan and Sam opened up their home and good cooking to us for a couple of nights while we were in Wichita. Thanks guys!

Monday (Sept 15) we headed back to Oklahoma, but not before a birthday lunch at Chipotle, Tristan's favorite! No, that's not food. That's blood on Tristan's lip. In a freak burrito eating accident, Tristan's lip was cut, and it bled throughout the entire meal. Poor soul, and on his birthday too! He powered through though, and ate that monster burrito anyway.

To get the bleeding to stop we had to go over to Walgreens next door and get a little white stick thing that would stop the bleeding. Good times!

Jonathan drove us down to Oklahoma. We were so happy to be able to spend that time with him! That evening our last presentation was at Outreach at OC. We were happy to share our experiences with college students, imagining ourselves in their position not too long ago. After Outreach many of our college friends gathered at Clyde and Gwen Antwine's house for a get together and to celebrate Trid's B-day. It was wonderful to get to see those people again, and actually a majority of the people that were there were involved in the Germany campaigns that we went on in college. What a reunion! It was also wonderful for my brother to be there and to say goodbye to him.

Birthday cake number 3 or 4?

Me and Amy Nickerson. Love this girl!

Tristan and Kevin. Oh my what they are laughing about!
Trid, Me, Courtney and Ed. Such an encouraging and inspiring couple to know!

Trid, Kerbs, and me. (Yes, I know your last name is now Woods, but you'll always be Kerbs in my heart dear lodgemate!)

Thus concluding our photo tour. The next morning (Sept 16), Jonathan deposited us at the aeropuerto at a rediculously early hour. We traveled to Newark and arrived their early, making our layover about 8 hours. We wandered around the shops and watched episodes of Smallville (Thanks Ryan and Sam) on our laptop until our flight. We flew back to Scotland arriving Wednesday morning (Sept 17).

We are now trying to adjust to this time zone, but as it is 1:15 a.m. as I write this, you can guess how we are doing. :)

Look for our next update as Tristan describes his adventure with OC campus security. Cheerio the now!

Another Update

Our website has finally been updated. We've posted new pictures from May through July and updated our downloads page with our latest newsletters and prayer calendars. Check it out!

We leave you today with a blurry photo of one of our favourite Scottish road signs: Elderly Crossing.

A Wee Update

Hello all! Sorry for the long break between posts. Since our last post we've had my family over for a visit. We were busy every day traveling all over Scotland.

We've also been busy preparing for our trip to the States in 2 weeks. We are so excited to see as many friends and family as we can! Our trip will cover 5 states in 3 weeks. We're going to be everywhere!
Here's some more pictures from our family's visit.

Me and my little sis, Callie, in front of the Houses of Parliament in London.

Trid and Callie in U.K. Hats.
The Fam on a walk not far from our house.

Fish and Chips!!! But, I had a baked potato with tuna.

The gals in front of the Loch Ness.

Ellwoods at the top of the Wallace Monument

My parents with the city of Stirling, the River Forth, and the castle in the background.
Good Times!

Reflections of a Year

Tristan here…it is time I made my quarterly blog post. Brace yourself: it will probably be a long one but it has to be; I am reflecting on a year's worth of information. My lovely wife is much better at updating than I am. I told her that I would do the one year anniversary post and so here I am.
This past Friday marked our one year anniversary of being in Scotland. It is hard to believe that we have taken one trip around the sun, when in many regards it seems like just a few days have passed. In other ways it seems like ages. We have never gone this long without seeing our families. A week from tomorrow, we are blessed to have Leslie’s parents and youngest sister arrive. It will be awesome to see them.
It is difficult to know where to begin when describing this past year. After some thought, I decided I should begin where all things begun. God said let there be land…and he saw that it was good. Millenniums later he called out and said ‘that good land across the sea, I would like you to go there.’ God is needed in this land. The people are not bad, quite contrarily, there are some wonderful people. But they are lacking God in their life…and therefore, ultimately lacking life itself. It is obvious why he sent us.
I don’t know who said it first, but life is a journey. Journeys are characterized by successes and failures, laughs and tears, joy and pain, certainty and doubt, friends and foes, ease and hardship and a whole other range of dualisms that I can’t even exhaust. Our time in Scotland is characterized this way too. It has been wonderful but not without its difficulties. Thankfully, we have a God that is with us in all stages of the journey. For me personally, this year has taught me that more than any other year in my life.
I have been humbled, rebuked, chastened, disciplined and punished; but I also have been raised, instructed, taught, encouraged and rewarded. I thank God for each of these lessons and attributes of the journey because He was using them to refine my faith. In passing through the fires and the waters I have been brought out stronger and purer than before. I cannot say that my faith would not be the same if we had not come to Scotland because I don’t know what God would have done with my life elsewhere. But I feel confident in saying: it would have taken a lot longer to get me to the point in my faith where I now am had we not come to Scotland.
Some of the HUGE things that have contributed to this growth are the following:
1. Watching Jie, our Chinese Sister, come face to face with Christ our Lord. We were witnesses to Jie but we also witnessed God at work in ways we could not imagine. Even as I write this and reflect on what God has done and is doing in here life, my eyes are full with tears of joy. We have been so fortunate to be a part of God’s work in Jie’s life.
2. Friends: Leslie’s last post was about ‘Friends.’ Here in Stirling, we have been blessed with some amazing friends, who are Family through Christ. A deeper knowledge of friendship has been rooted in us because of the lessons learned from our friends.
3. Education: Being in Scotland, I have been able to read a lot more. I am not a fast reader so living in a culture that is much slower paced than the United States is more conducive to my mediocre reading ability (thanks California education system). The reading I have been able to do has deepened and strengthened my knowledge of God. And as a result I have met Jesus in a way I did not think possible, even though God told me it was possible.
4. Working with Leslie: We work pretty much constantly with each other. This has been both a rewarding and challenging at times (I know Leslie would say the same about me). It has helped me grow to a new appreciation of my wife and God’s idea of marriage. Second only to Christ and His Spirit, Leslie is the greatest blessing in my life.
5. Working for the church and working with this church: Ultimately I know that I work for Christ in the ministry of reconciliation. Technically, I am employed as a missionary/minister. This has been a first for me and it has changed my perspectives. Although, I am a bit uncertain of how long I will hold this post or a post similar to it (at least another year), I suspect that my employment will not always be the church. Working for the church has showed me how I can better work for Christ and help the church when I am not employed by the church. I am anxious to one day put my knowledge to use. The Stirling church has been wonderful. We have learned more about family and the love God has for his people. We are blessed to be a part of this group.
6. Fundraising: There is a lot that could be said about this but I am not going to say it because we as humans (and sadly as churches) place to big of an emphasis on money. To me the most important lesson I have learned from the journey this year is that fundraising teaches you humility and reliance, both of which are given from God. We are grateful to God who has taken such good care of us.
There are certainly more but those are some of the biggest things that have changed my life this year. How has your life been changed? How has your faith grown? If you reflect and realize that it hasn’t, maybe your feet have come to a stop in the journey. Why don’t you start walking again? The blessings of the journey far out weigh her consequences.
What else about a year’s time in Scotland? I love the scenery. Stirling itself has gorgeous views. The mountains to the northwest are impressive but recently I have found fascination and comfort in the little hills that lie right at the northeast door of Stirling. They are called the Ochil Hills or as the locals call them the Hill Foots. They have intrigued me lately with their mystery, their familiarity, in dark weather their ominousness and of course their beauty.
Well, if I am going to eat and do the other things I need to do tonight, I have to wrap this up. If you are still reading this then call your doctor because you need crazy pills! Truly, if you are reading this then it means you have taken a genuine interest in our lives and work over the last year and for that we are in your debt. Thank you very much. We are excited to see what God has in store for us this coming year.