Hanging out with the REAL Presbyterians

Zach and I went to St. Giles Cathedral this morning for service, and we were absolutely blown away.

But first: picture two hoodlum-looking backpackers (me with my bright blue hiker sandals, blue jeans under my dress, and a bright blue, terry-cloth, hooded jacket; Zach with his hiking boots, blue jeans, cotton polo and hooded jacket) walking into a most beautiful kirk, 20 minutes late, full of women in the classiest attire and men in formal kilts. I was SO embarrassed.

As we walked in, the Church of Scotland's very own Ecumenical Officer, a member of the congregation, "The Very Rev Sheilagh Kesung DD," was reading from the gospel of Mark (6:14-29). When the choir began to sing, tears came to my eyes. They sounded like angels. Our bulletin reads, "The choir at today's services is Edinburgh University Chamber Choir conducted by Eric Von Ibler. We welcome them. The Cathedral Choir is singing in Canada." Big deal...

The Very Rev began to introduce the sacraments of Holy Communion, and I got pretty nervous. Were we to advertise our inappropriate-ness through the isles up to the center of the cathedral to join the circle in front of all of these beautiful people? The nice, white-haired man sitting behind soon turned to us and said, "You both are invited to join us in Holy Communion."

Communion with our fellow brothers and sisters in Scotland was such an incredible experience. We passed the bread around the circle ourselves, and we all drank from the same cup. As I was standing there, I forgot how silly I looked.

Several of the important men and women of the church shook our hands and spoke with us on the way out. Nice, nice people. I was humbled by the way our Scottish friends in the church treated us so graciously.

It was so encouraging to see these locals from Edinburgh, seemingly so different, worshipping the same Jesus that I worship. We really are "more alike than different." And God's people are everywhere!

After church, we bummed around downtown in the drizzle until it was time to meet our shuttle to the airport. We are now in Krakow at our amazing hostel, the "AAE Mosquito Hostel." Zach says breakfast looks amazing.... exciting! On the agenda for tomorrow, Auschwitz.