Monday, October 5, 2009

Bob’s Sabbatical

10/5/09

 

            Note the
change of format.  I am no longer going
by “Day #” because I seem to have thoroughly confused myself, my journal, my
blog and my pictures.  From now on, I
will do what I should have done from the beginning, and go by date.

            It is a
typical Scottish day here on Iona.  Gray
skies, damp wind and choppy seas.  The
Ferry just keeps going back and forth.  I
still cannot believe that it just pulls up to the boat ramp, lets down its own
ramp for people to walk (and cars, only for island residents, I suppose)
off.  They do not use lines to secure the
ferry – the Captain manages to keep the boat relatively steady.  Of course it is only here for a few minutes,
but how they hold it against the current, I don’t know.

            The high
point of the day was worship with the Iona Community in the Abbey at 9:00
am.  We thought we were going for
Communion, but learned later that was at the Anglican “Bishop’s House” at 8:00
am.  It was just as well.  We gathered with about 75 others, some like
us, visitors, and most were part of the week-long pilgrimage the Community
hosts.  The Iona Community has a ministry
of hospitality, worship, prayer, and social concern.  It is not nearly as well-organized as a
monastic community, but just as committed. 
It was wonderful to pray, sing, and be still in that centuries-old
building.

            Spent
the day wandering Iona.  Had dinner on
the waterfront.  Susan ordered an
“appetizer” portion of mussels (fresh, they farm them locally), and they
brought her a bowl with over 60 of the tender little things!

            Hope
that the ferry will run tomorrow, so we can head south.

Peace,

   Bob