Twelve years ago, my husband had a business engagement in Edinburgh, Scotland, and we stayed at the Braid Hills Hotel on the southern edge of town. While he attended meetings, I spent my days exploring the city.

On our last day, I visited the Scottish National Museum and, beforehand, popped into a Bible bookstore across the street. The owner shared that fewer than 10% of the city regularly attend church.After the museum, I accidentally boarded the wrong bus. The driver advised me to get off at Holy Corner, but to my dismay, my bus pass had expired. I reluctantly began the walk home—a climb up a hill, a descent, and then a steeper ascent to the crest. Tall Scots would call the dreary June day dreich.

As I walked, my sweater pulled close against the cold, I passed a beautiful church with redevelopment signs—the same church where Chariots of Fire hero Eric Liddell once preached. Now it was slated for transition into housing.

A deep sadness overwhelmed me—how a place once vibrant with spiritual life had fallen into disuse. I continued, seeing other repurposed churches. Midway, I stopped in a local bar for tea just to warm my hands (if not my soul).

By the time I tackled the second hill, the cold had seeped into me. I couldn’t shake the sorrow, sharper than the wind. Determined, I began to pray aloud—asking God to revive the hearts along that street, to breathe new Passion into a city once gripped by faith. I sang worship songs beneath my breath and audaciously asked Him to let me witness His work there.

It felt bold, perhaps a little foolish, like a child begging for a nonessential gift—but it stirred a deep hope in me.I returned to life in Colorado: joys, sorrows, weddings, and new seasons—none of them predictable. Then my husband said, “We need a change... What about Edinburgh?” I hesitated, used to hearing ‘no,’ yet that phrase felt tender and hopeful.

In miraculous ways, everything fell into place—our home sold quickly, and I found a perfect flat within budget. I felt an overwhelming peace, affirming God’s hand at work.Imagine my joy when one day, on my way to a Bible study, I walked down a different street—and recognized the very neighborhood where I'd prayed years before.

Here I am now, living in that prayer’s answer. I still don’t fully understand why I was led here, but I’m deeply grateful—grateful for the peace, joy, and restoration I’ve found, and for the opportunity to share it with others.