Wednesday Update

On Wednesday we had an adventurous hike to the beach. We hiked on the edge of the ocean going through hills and valleys. When we finally got to the beach, the view was breathtaking. Crystal clear waters and smooth rocks made a spectacular time. We hesitantly walked into the water with many laughs and shivers. Getting used to the water, we swam around going to the near by rocks. Once we were done, we walked back passing by the Iona golf course. 

While some were at the beach, others took a tour of the Abbey. They were able to experience the rich history of the beautiful sanctuary. Following the Abbey tour, we had time to visit shops in the tiny town. My favorite place was called "The Low Door Store' because it's a cute shop that has a low door that you have to duck to get into. Once we were home we had some free time and a delicious dinner consisting of Shepard's pie and mashed potatoes; it was delicious. Finally we had evening vespers outside overlooking the beautiful sunset. We had time to talk and be in communion with each other. 

I'm looking forward to tomorrow! 

--Claire

Reflection from Matt about "Matt's Spot"

When I get to the top of the hill I lose everything stressful in my life. I'm surrounded with mountains that I watch for hours just looking at the unique patterns. I see sheep and bunnies peacefully moving around without a care in the world. I hear birds talking to each other back and forth. I feel the breeze comforting me, moving me back and forth with the slightest force. I look around and I can't think of anything else other than that I am truly at peace with God.

Tuesday Update

After morning worship on Tuesday we all donned our Wellies and backpacks and began our long pilgrimage throughout the island. Our first stop was St. Martins cross just outside of the abbey where we reflected on the deep and vibrant religious history on the island. Next we stopped at a nook on the side of the abbey where Joe and Drew presented us with a dramatic representation of God summoning us to the journey of Christ. 

The next stop on our journey was about a mile down the road at the spot of the only place on the island where two paths meet at a crossroads. Here we stopped to rest and journaled about the personal crossroads that we were reaching in our own lives; the decisions that we would be making in the future that maybe we would need God's help with. 

Following our eye opening journal session, we began the long and tedious trek through the bog that sits on the south side of the island in hopes of arriving at the marble quarry that lies on the coast there. It hasn't rained here in a while and at first it appeared that we weren't going to have a problem with wet ground, but we soon discovered that this would not be the case. Underneath the vegetation in this area there is standing water and mud, and Shari was the first one to get up close and personal with it. Her boots got stuck in the mud and when she was attempting to extract herself she ended up on her back drenched in mud. 

Ben was the next person to fall victim to the bog. Along the path there was a stream surrounded by mud, and Ben who was not wearing Wellies, had the smart idea that he was going to jump over the creek. For a moment it really looked like he was going to make it over, but at the last moment his back foot caught the edge of the mud, and fell face first into the mud. 

The next victims were Matt and Emery. Without Wellies, Matt was forced to hop, on Emery's back to cross the mud. Halfway across, Emery found himself stuck knee deep in muck, while Matt was safe on the other side. Matt decided to go back and attempt to help Emery out of the mud. After many tugs and pulls, and no luck, Matt decided to yank Emery up out of the mud. Matt then found himself sitting in the mud, soaking wet.

Once we arrived in the general area of the quarry, we had to split up into groups to search for it, as it was hidden down by the shore. We spent a good hour and a half looking along the shore before Emery, Matt, Ben, John, Kirk, Chris, and Teresa arrived at the gorge on the edge of the shore. The rest of the group soon arrived, and together we basked in the sun, and searched for Iona marble, a special type of white marble with serpentine swirled through it that can only be found on Iona. Here we reflected on how our actions as humans effect God's creation and how it is our responsibility to take care of that creation. 

After just taking some time to enjoy God's creation we made the long trek back to our hostel and smashed some spectacular fried chicken made by Brianna and Annika. We couldn't have asked for a better day to walk across the island. The sun was shining bright, and the sky was actually clear. Obviously we couldn't help but watch the sunset, so while some watched from the house, and some watched from the beach, Ben, Chris, Emery, Joe, and Gus climbed to the top of Dun I and watched the sun go down from what felt like the top of the world. 

We finished the night with a powerful worship service on the beach before we all crashed into bed. 

It was a day filled with reflection for everyone, and during one of those times of reflection, Annika wrote a poem that all will agree encapsulated our day, and so we will end this post with her very elegant words:

 Travelers wandering into the lands of the unknown, each ending up in the same destination. 

 Sunshine soaked up by their souls, dedicated they were; never giving up. 

Steep valleys where the green grass flourishes, home to the soaring birds in the blue sky. 

The sea guiding them, the wind whispers in their ears. 

White marble sparkles in the sun, they rest. 

 Bright blue water welcomes them with kisses of salt, the waves just barely touching them. 

 Young travelers are never lost, The compass of Christ directs them to his temple. 

Into nature to free our minds; Not looking, but to find our souls.

Iona Morning Update

We have finally made it to Iona. The journey was long and stressful, but it was totally worth it in the end. Last night we arrived and the hostel owner, John, met us at the port. He was courteous to not make us carry our luggage all the way to the hostel, and we left it at the port form a while. Everyone made the long hike to the hostel except for Kirk who hitched a ride from John (😆). The walk was long, but worth it as the hostel is über comfortable and Joe and Gus actually fit in the beds. Emery, Laura S., Drew, and Joe then returned to the port with John and picked up the luggage and supplies in two trips while the rest of the crew settled in at the hostel. Once we were settled, we walked down to the Iona Abbey for the evening prayer service. We walked in late, but the service was still very peaceful. When the service was over, we made the trek back to the hostel, put our warm clothes on and walked down to the beach for our evening vespers with the crashing of the waves 🌊 and the smoke of the fire 🔥. We started a new daily worship and appreciation practice with the blessings of Ben and Chris. We made our way back up to the hostel and went to bed very late.

This morning we awoke early and ate breakfast 🥓. We then made our way back down to the abbey and participated in the morning prayer 🙏. After the service we came back to the hostel, some of us walking, some of us running with John. Now I am writing this blog post!

I hope everything is as well at home as it is here. 

-GI Joe🤙

Last night we had gone to the opening ceilidh and I (Jasmine) found a cat. We named it Philip. Being on this island 🌴 is truly amazing and I can see God so much more clear here. I can't wait to see what the next 3 days bring for us.  

Hello from Iona!

      On Saturday afternoon, we fulfilled our mission of doing "secret service." A small group went back to Traprain Law to pull more ragwort. While we were there, we ran into one of the caretakers of the ponies on the Law, Liz. We had a lovely time getting to know her love of John Denver, all about the ponies, and helping her move bags of ragwort. Another group stayed back at the Allison Cargill House and prepared medallions for the church service on Sunday. Saturday night we had our first ceilidh! We gathered in the Stenton town hall for food, dancing, and good company. The local people were so patient with us as we struggled at first to learn all the dances. By the end we were all exhausted but happy. 

       Sunday morning we attended a service at David's church. It was a lovely service and was enjoyed by all. David's church gave each of us scarves with Scottish tartans and shared music with us. As a group we sang two of our own songs for their congregation and gifted them with medallions made by Cheryl as well as prayer squares made by the knitting club. There was appreciation from everyone. David's congregation held a lunch for us where they had red white and blue balloons and flags decorating the hall. They shared amazing Scottish food with us as more gifts were given. Following the service and lunch we returned to the Allison Cargill house to pack for tomorrow.

      Monday we woke up bright and early to leave for the West side of Scotland where we caught a Ferry to Mull island. Once we were on Mull, we drove across through beautiful scenery to the opposite side of the island to get on our next ferry to the island of Iona, where we will be staying for the next week. We arrived on Iona to breathtaking blue waters and green fields full of sheep. We walked across the island to the new hostel we will be staying at.  

--Laura G and Evie

Saturday Update

Yesterday was a busy day as we took on the role of tourists in Edinburgh! We all started out exploring the Edinburgh castle together. It was amazing to be in the place where so much history had taken place. We then split into groups to see the rest of the city. One group took the trek up Arthur's seat. At the top we could look over the whole city and it was absolutely breathtaking. It truly felt like we were on top of the world. Other groups enjoyed a choir concert in the St Giles Cathedral. Everybody had an opportunity to get souvenirs and gifts for friends and family. Edinburgh is a beautiful, vibrant city and we all enjoyed the opportunity to explore it. One mission for the day was to find wellies for those who didn't bring them. We went to many shops, but after a few dead ends and one closed shoe store, we ended up at Asda (a Scottish Meijer.) We then drove to Dunbar for fish and chips with some local girls we had met at the Fourth of July barbecue. We walked down to the harbor and picnicked together there, looking out over the ocean, and again discussing the similarities and differences of our countries. We even picked up a little Scottish slang as well! 

After dinner we said goodbye to the girls and drove home to prepare for one of the most amazing worship experiences imaginable. We all donned layers and rain boots and made the trek up Traprain Law where we would share in communion together immersed in God's creation. A cairn, or rock like used as a burial ground, stands proudly in the top of the Law. After looking out on the sunset and reflecting on God's majesty, we cuddled together in the cairn as it got colder. As Kirk broke the bread and poured the juice, the full moon peeked out behind behind the clouds bathing us all with light. Sadly, three of our group members were unable to make the climb up the mountain. When it came time to break the bread however, we signaled down to them with flashlights so they were able to participate in communion with us at the same time. The whole experience was a once in a lifetime opportunity, and everyone came down that mountain a new person. 

Today we were awoken blissfully late (11:30) by the hearty aromas of pancakes, hash browns, bacon, sausage, eggs and freshly mixed orange drink from concentrate. Today will be a much needed day of reprieve from the busyness and exhaustion of this past week. We will be doing a little bit of service in the afternoon, and a lot of laundry before then heading off to the ceilidh to cut loose and have a little fun! It will be a festive way to wrap our time here in East Linton before heading to Iona! Until tomorrow, peace and love,

Group 1-- Heh Say, John, Annika, Ben, Emery, and Laura 

Friday AM Update

Good morning!

We all had a great time at the evening gathering with Joe and his wife Jennie. When we first arrived to the destination, we instantly noticed the beautiful view of the sea and how hospitable our hosts were. Shortly after our arrival we had gone to the beach and went swimming and played rounders. Though the water was cold, many of us still took the plunge, mostly to say that we did it. We were joined by our new Scottish friends and shared laughs, games, and conversation. During and after dinner, we continued to enjoy the breathtaking view and take in all that this place and these people have to offer. The feeling of watching the sunset and getting to know everyone better is indescribable. We parted with our hosts with full hearts and immense happiness. We concluded our night with a meaningful vespers service and got a good nights sleep. Overall, a great day. 

Group 3 - Brianna, Sarah, Joe, Jasmine, Emma, Chris, Shari

July 6th 2017

Hello from Across the Pond again today!  It was finally beautiful weather with a cloudy sky and warm breezes flowing through the mountains. This morning we went to Traprain Law, a mountain near the house we are staying in. We collaborated with a park ranger named Laura and a local family to help extract the invasive plants that harm the horses that live there. After lunch we returned to Traprain Law to climb to the top and enjoy the views and learn a bit of the history about the mountain. The view from the top was breathtaking and we had so much fun taking photos of the landscape and the views. 

Joe is taking us to the beach soon and we are going to eat dinner by the water and find out who is brave enough to go swimming in the freezing water.