In 1980 I spent almost three months with a team of teenagers just outside Catrine, Scotland. Our work included building a block & brick kitchen and dining facility for Teen Missions at Daldorch Estate (which is today a home for autistic children). I have often wondered if our dining hall is still there and being used. It was a great experience that I repeated by traveling to Italy in 1983. Throughout the years, my wife and I have led many teams to various parts of the world to work alongside some of God’s greatest servants and our greatest heroes – missionaries.
I celebrated my 14th birthday in Scotland and learned a great deal about the Lord, the world, and life in general. I have determined that in some ways my first Teen Missions experience was a rite of passage for me. As a team member I became accountable – to carry supplies, to wash my clothes, to dig a trench, to lay blocks. I was responsible for myself and others. 28 1/2 years ago I had my friends write their names and addresses in a small book so that we could “keep in touch” when we returned home.
While cleaning recently I found that book and fondly flipped through the pages of names and numbers. Yesterday converting some slides to digital format I tried remembering names and faces. A quick internet search turned up a few interesting leads…and then a Google hit read “Deb Pugh/Heather Duffy.” This was no coincidence or mistaken identity. In my mind these names could only be connected in one way – Scotland 1980. A link and a jump later, I received the confirmation I expected – including a photo.
The challenge has begun. A few more names led to a few more leads. We’ll see what the wonders of the internet hold for reaching back and connecting with a bygone day. To my teammates from Scotland Dining 1980 I say “Thanks for the memories.”
#1 by Heather on January 15, 2009 - 4:52 pm
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wow, this is sooo great! I have forgotten most everyone’s last names, so you can see where a google search was not helpful! Thanks for doing this, and I am looking forward to more pics. BTW, put some pics of you and your fam. up too. The one little one can’t be “clicked” so I can see it better, dern it.
Yep I remember you, but ooooh it was a long time ago.
God bless you Matthew.
#2 by Charlie on January 15, 2009 - 9:11 pm
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Matt,
Had a wonderful blog comment all written and… crash! Anyway, it was such a kick to hear from you! I lived in London from 1995-1997. One weekend I decided to rent a car and drive north. I ended up in Catrine (not by accident) and it was the most amazing experience! The Daldorch Estate is now part of a school for kids with Autism. The main house we stayed in had been gutted, but I filled in the blanks with my mind. Took a walk down the hill in back where the cannons used to be. And I found a tree that I had carved my initials into in 1980, still visible. So… I did it again! I’ve thought about all of you and our time there frequently over the last 28 1/2 years. It was certainly a defining moment in my life. Hopefully we can find more “Dal-Dorks” and reconnect. I’m thinking a 30 year reunion might be fun!? Can’t wait to catch up.
#3 by Hunter on June 15, 2009 - 4:35 am
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I only debriefed at Daldorch at the end of 1980, having been on England EV-1 that summer. My (now) wife, however, was on my team as well (that's how we met, as mere kids), and she was also on Italy 1983 (assistant team lead for the Acqui Terme team). My brother-in-law was also frequently at Daldorch in 1980, including debrief of course, since he was on the Scotland Bike team. I'm glad to have stumbled across your blog… but I'm not surprised Daldorch has changed. My big surprise was using Google Earth to look up this big empty hill with ancient ruins which a couple of us climbed in Wales, only to find it is mostly covered in residential neighborhoods now.
#4 by Matthew Trill on June 15, 2009 - 3:00 pm
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Hunter:
I remember several things about debrief that year. In fact, I remember a part of the skit that one of the bike teams did. I'm not sure if it was Scotland Bike or Ireland Bike. When the lead biker hit a hole he would call back "HOLE!" Each successive biker would shout back the same only after they had hit the hole as well.
Send me an email if you get a chance. It's interesting that your wife was on the Acqui Terme team in 83…I was too.
#5 by MusicGuynPhoenix on June 16, 2009 - 2:06 am
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I was at Daldorch in 84 on the work team! -garret godfrey