See Yous Later...

When I was thinking about what I was going to say in this blog it was a real struggle for me. This year I have grown more and learned more than I ever thought possible. I came to Scotland with no expectations. The only things I knew was that I would be working in the Gorbals, which according to rumors and the internet was a very dangerous place and had been trying to rebuild itself for 20 years, that I would be living with 4 other girls I had only met once, and that I was living 5,000 miles from my friends and family. My mom was a little worried that I would be moving to the stabbing capital of Europe working in an area like the Gorbals but I was just full of excitement for what my year would look like and of the relationships I would build and the people I would get to call my community.

But let me tell you, I couldn’t have imagined a better placement in this church and a better community for my year. I got to sit with people from all different backgrounds and hear their struggles, their joys, and just got to know them. I met many asylum seekers and refugees through Bridging the Gap that I got along with better because neither of us could understand the Scottish accent. I learned patience with toddlers, I mastered my crafting skills coming up with more craft ideas than I knew was possible, and I got to try many different types of food at the drop in.

I was pushed out of my comfort zone in the café when I saw people come in that have been affected by drugs and wouldn’t even remember coming in the next day. I learned how to be there for people without judging them. I learned how to show Christian love rather than talking about it. I was able to be a member of the community, and take part in all sorts of activities and fairs. People were always confused as to which organization I was actually a part of because I was everywhere.

I learned that life isn’t easy, that each person is unique and has their own daily struggles, whether it is addiction, confidence, mental illness, feeling like an outsider, language difficulties, loneliness, depression, and many more. And the greatest thing I learned this year was that everyone just wants to be loved. Every person deserves a chance to be loved and valued and I got to spend an entire year doing just that.

I built friendships that look more like family. I cannot be more grateful to one of my flatmates in particular, Sam, who without, I might not have survived or thrived this year. I also made friends with Scottish natives who became great friends. They taught me the local slang and shared their families with me. One family in particular has been the MacDonalds. I spent most Sunday evenings having dinner with them and spent many nights at their house in a room I joke is mine now. They brought me into their family for holidays and family events which I cannot be more thankful for. Thank you for being my second family and making me feel like another daughter.  

This year I was also challenged in my faith. I came into a Presbyterian program as a Catholic and lived in a city filled with sectarianism. I was pushed out of my comfort zone going to a Presbyterian service each week but ended up growing into it and loving the services and the differences between a Catholic mass and the services at Gorbals. I learned to question my faith and struggle through who I am and who I want to be. I grew more independent and learned more about how I want to impact the world after serving my YAV year.

And because I love this city and everyone I have met so much I have decided to stay another year and do a masters program at Glasgow Uni in International Business and Entrepreneurship. Throughout this year I have worked with different community projects that work with amazing people. It has increased my passion to work with the same communities of people in my future and I want to be able to help those people in a profitable enterprise. I hope to take all that I have learned and carry it with me in my future here in Glasgow next year and when I return to the United States. I am so grateful for my time here, all the people I have interacted with, and I am really going to miss everyone. 

I am so grateful for everyone that has read this blog the last year. Your support has been more important than you can imagine and I hope you continue reading. I plan to continue my blogging next year while studying. Thank you to my amazing support system at home of family and friends who listened to my complaints, frustrations, and joys. I couldn't have done any of this without you all. A common phrase I heard all year was see yous later. So to all those in Glasgow, I will see yous later and to all those at home, can't wait to see you all soon!

Blessings,
Julie