I was blessed to be a part of the team of high school students that UPC sent to Banchory, Scotland, this summer. Last summer, I participated in the trip that the Banchory students made to Seattle, even hosting two of their leaders. UPC has been building a relationship with the Church of Scotland in Banchory for the last 14 years and I am so grateful for the opportunity I was given to be a part of it.

While there, we spent about a week in a rough neighborhood in Aberdeen, where we participated in service projects ranging from painting a mural designed by a Banchory Edge member to picking berries on a farm to delivering furniture. Many of us were discouraged by the fact that nearly all the work we did was very behind-the-scenes. We rarely saw the people who were being helped by the organization we served. However, near the end of our time there, an organization we had worked for sent an e-mail that detailed several ways that our service there had helped. It was very encouraging.

Part of the trip was spent in Aberdeen helping various organizations that help people in need. However, a substantial part was also building on the relationship between our two churches. We went both to be encouraging as well as to be encouraged. Our theme verse for the trip was Romans 1:11-12: “I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong — that is that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.” This trip gave those verses a tangible meaning to me.

“I believe every person on the team saw the verses coming to life,” says Jennie Koth, a former intern with UPC’s Edge. “We were able to encourage one another and I know that both the Banchory and Seattle Edge groups will be strengthened as a result of the bond we have.” The trip also showed me how amazing fellowship with other Christians can be.

One way we saw God working was in the team dynamics. “I was amazed at how well everyone got on,” commented Felicity (“Fizz”) Wann, a Banchory Edge student, “You put 40 young people together and there were no fallouts.” Many other students echo that sentiment. “It’s like instant friendship was made. You didn’t have to try to make friends,” says Banchory Edge student James Tulloch. “Everyone got along – never a bad word said.” That is something that can really only be attributed to God.

“I thought it was encouraging being with Christians 6,000 miles away,” says Jeff Aitken, UPC Edge ministry coordinator, ”to get to worship the same God in a different culture and place.”

I was also encouraged by the wonderful hospitality we were shown by the people of Banchory. Pairs of students stayed with host families. They let us stay in their homes, drove us to all the events we attended and fed us delicious food at least 10 times every day (desserts excluded). “I love Fizz’s mom and family and Fizz!” exclaimed UPC Edge student Renée Nichols. “They make the best food ever! Sorry, Mom.”

“It’s a credit to the two churches,” says Iain Cameron, a Banchory Edge student, “that we are ready to travel so many hours and thousands of miles to meet with people we don’t always know and can leave with solid friendships that will long outlive the photos and keepsakes we take from this trip.”

I left Scotland with a couple of cans of Hob Nobs (some of my favorite Scottish candy), a window sticker of the Scottish flag for my car, some amazing friendships and a deeper understanding of what God can do through his people.

Kari Olson is a junior at Garfield High School in Seattle. Her active involvement with the Edge includes serving on the Edge Worship Team.