I see you Scottish visitor. Thank you. And it stirs up many memories. On several different levels. Not what people would expect, I assume.

On the first level I remember visiting Scotland (Glasgow) many years ago. We were staying in a hostel at the time and it was uh…interesting/memorable. We were there only a few days but I marveled at the beautiful sheep on verdant green grass we flew in, highland cows which I never had seen nor even knew existed before, and the big city of Glasgow with new wonders for this Midwesterner.

But more than that I have a history in Scotland. It’s the story of how one of my ancestors made it to America. For many the story is a sweet one of courage, desire for change, etc… For my ancestor, it was kidnapping.

Back in the 1700’s (I think) white slaves were common in America. My ancestor lived in Aberdeen. As a boy of 11 years old, he had lost his cow. As he was out looking for it, he was kidnapped by those in the slave trade.

From there he was transported to the America to work as a white slave in a blacksmith shop. His slave owner told him that if he worked hard for him, he would emancipate him at 21 years old. That boy worked exceptionally hard, so much so that his owner liberated him at the age of 18. And that’s how that line of the family came to America.

People forget that there were many white slaves back in the day. I, too, am a descendant of a slave. Just a slave from Europe and not Africa.

So yes, when I think of Scotland, I think of my roots. I think of Aberdeen (which I never got to visit). And I think of Scottish highlander cows that look like big, fluffy dogs.

I’m so glad you have come to visit this page. There is such rich Christian history in Aberdeen. May the Lord’s work continue in this beautiful land and beyond.

Be blessed!