The Kirkcudbright Expedition

I did something today that was both a first (sorta) and something I haven't done in a month. I played piano, and not just any piano. It was a Steinway. And for those of you who don't know what's so special about a Steinway, well let's just say it's the king of pianos. The most beautiful instrument you'll ever play, with the greatest touch in the world. Basically, it's awesome. The reason I say it was sorta a first is because I played it for a few minutes on Sunday when I was at church, but I didn't really play it if you know what I mean. I more attempted to play two pieces from memory and I didn't play with full strength because there were people in the building. However, today I really played. It was fantastic.

In case you're wondering where this phenomenal instrument is to be found, it's at the Parish Church (my current church) of Kirkcudbright. I biked into town today. It was a nice half hour bike ride down some hills, across the A75, and along a winding road that leads straight to the town. The town itself is a picture. Rows of stone houses line the main street till you get toward the center and then there is the church standing proudly above the stores and homes. I didn't take many pictures of the town itself, more of the church and the old stone bridge I crossed to get into town. I will go back some day in the near future I'm sure and take more pictures when I am not so bent on playing piano!

The pulpit's so cool! They don't really use it anymore, but that does not take away from it's awesomeness

The church is cross shaped so this is the one side of the cross

And this is the other side

The ceiling is really neat! Nice and vaulted

I realize this is a funny angle...my apologies

The pipe organ! It's pretty great

The consul is less impressive but I thought I might take a picture of it as not

The beauty that is the church piano

Now, you may be saying "Pff...I thought she said it was a Steinway...that says Boston..."Just look at the next picture and you shall have the answer to your skepticism...

"Designed by Steinway & Sons"

The church door . . . and the dromedary (people who are especially cool [namely my family] will understand..at least some of them will...at least my mother will appreciate it..) I was on and my backpack

That is the church hall where we have tea/coffee and biscuits after church

Now I am going to do something that I haven't done before on here...I am going to upload a video...I mean I've put videos up before but not one that I took myself...so here it goes. Bear in mind when you watch this that I haven't touched a piano in a month and you have my apologies for the mistakes and terrible timing....also the sound quality maybe isn't the greatest but then it's not a super awesome expensive recorder... I am also not putting this video up to show off my piano playing...I just wanted people to be able to hear the awesomeness that is a Steinway piano!

On another note, I would like to let you all know that despite my last minute doubts about whether not I should be coming here and if I was going to be able to handle being this far away from everyone, I am doing fantastic! It feels so right to be here, and I feel that God is really blessing me here. I am with a great team and I fit in well and have loads of fun with everyone. One of the instructors here set up a prayer partner list for the women here and she's actually my partner. So that's pretty fantastic! So basically I am having a great time and not suffering from too much homesickness. Every once in a while I do get that twinge when I really think about how far away I am, but it's been really good so far! I can't believe I've been gone for a month! Such a long time that boggles my mind and yet, on the other hand,  I feel like I've been here forever. Maybe it's because I feel so at home here. I dunno...just thought I'd let you all know that....This song basically sums up my feelings about being here: