Scotland 2009

The first logistics team for the Times Square Church international outreach in Greenock, Scotland touched ground at 8:15am today at Glasgow International airport.  

Flight

The plane had a two-hour delay leaving out of Newark due to a presidential visit to the city which held up traffic on the New Jersey Turnpike. The flight is only 5 and 1/2 hours and seems incredibly short compared to prior outreaches to Africa and the Philippines.

Weather & Packing Matters

As we left the airport, in a 15-seater van packed to the gills with our luggage for the 17 days we will be here coordinating the conference and outreaches related to the conference, the weather was a bit chilly and gaining a bit of wind but the sun seemed to want to peek through. The temperature ranges from high 40s to 50s and several locals have termed it “very cold,” though for New York standards it is nowhere near freezing. It has rained off and on throughout the day so it is highly recommended that everyone coming to Greenock pack small umbrellas and wellies as well as a warm jacket. The key is layering. It is also helpful to remember that we New Yorkers are used to tropical heating in winter whereas Europeans prefer a more moderate approach. Bring sweaters and warm socks for your hotel rooms.

Objectives

The first logistics team consists of the event director, outreach logistics coordinators, outreach team coordinator and media coordinator. This team will make sure everything is in place before the 200+ outreach team members, Pastor Carter Conlon and the pastors team arrive beginning Friday, November 6. The team has already gone to the Oak Tree Mall to checkout potential spaces for the Info Center. The question now is whether to combine the healing room and info center in one space. Later in the evening, the team met with the local steering committee to get a general overview of the things we still need to cover this week.

The anticipation grows

As we gear up to the first meeting and outreaches on November 10 we are already excited and privileged to be here to witness what God plans for this spiritually and historically rich nation of incredibly friendly people. Today I walked with my 4 year old daughter to grab some dinner at a local cafe a few blocks away and remarked how most businesses and restaurants close early and the streets are empty at night. So unlike New York where the throngs persist 24/7! I prayed as I walked and asked the Lord to bless and transform this nation for His glory. That the countenances of the people will shine with hope!

Lentil Soup and Warm Chocolate Cake

P.S. The lentil soup with smoked bacon at Cafe Blanfe was excellent (the Scots have a gift with soup!) and my daughter finished every bit of the warm chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream. So far so good. We’ll keep you posted.