A few final glimpses of beautiful Edinburgh...

Heavy mist rolling in from the cold sea.

Parks and architecture, beautifully mixed.

Stunning cathedrals.

Mysterious monuments.

Bagpipes music really does fill the air. As well as the songs of this singing wool spinning lady. In a kilt. And large boots. With really strange hair.

One of our favorite areas.

Sir Walter Scott. (this is a close up of the 'mysterious monument' shot above)

Truly beautiful city.

And then the sweetest cherry on top, these two...

I can't tell you their names. (He's like a secret government agent or something...) But I can tell you she and I have been friends across the sea for several years now. We were introduced via email 3 or 4 years ago and began a pen pal relationship of sorts, totally unintentionally. It really is amazing how well you can know and love someone you've never met in person. A friend, a confidant, a source of constant grace and encouragement and hope-filled direction...I'll never give her up. She is beautiful in a thousand ways I can't even begin to express. I adore her. I count her among my closest friends, and when I really need encouragement or wisdom or prayer, despite the vast sea and lands that separate us, Scotland is always at the top of my list.

God alone can bring hearts together like that.

Goodbye lovely UK! We'll miss ya... you were full of adventure and surprises, sweet moments and laughter and fears overcome, new memories, new friends, so much joy. It's always a bittersweet parting, but we'll see you again soon, promise. ;-)