Day 4 on Iona - Gobsmacked

I heard this word uttered on Monday morning in Craignure on the Isle of Mull as I mentioned to the gentleman at the petrol station - that the Brits had won the Ryder cup. He was Gobsmacked with this news. Astounded, astonished.

Today I was Gobsmacked with the beauty surrounding me as we walked across (literally) the Isle of Iona. The sun was shining, the sky a brilliant blue. As the ocean came into view, it too was a brilliant blue, but with a different hue.

We walked across the green fields, dotted with sheep. Then it was down to the beach to sit a bit, to wander around, to simply gaze out at, what one worship leader had said one recent morning, "God's smile of Creation".

Table Space-Communion Service

Thursday evening.

Led by a woman, ordained in the Episcopal Church of Scotland, the bread and wine were passed person to person. Take. Eat. Drink. Remember.

Given small balls of clay as we entered, and while listening to piano music mid-service, we molded them into shapes to represent our relationship with Christ.

We walked by flashlight, skirting
around rain puddles, to the Abbey and back to the hotel. Blustery!

Northern end of the Isle

Today was an hour-long walk/trek to the north side of Iona. A beautiful day for a walk. Past cows and horses, but mostly past sheep

A walk across a meadow and down through sea grasses ended at white beach. Beautiful.

Walking on toward the west we came to a beach filled with colored rocks. Some big enough to sit on; others just the right size to pocket.

Walking home was wearisome. A bowl of soup along the way helped. The real healing was removing boots and enjoying the previously mentioned repast.

Restorative powers

After several hours of trekking across the northern half of the isle, tea with scones and clotted cream provide renewed energy.

Compline-"Bedtime Prayers" service

St Columba's Episcopal church. 8pm.

Be still, for the power of The Lord
is moving in this place,
he comes to cleanse and heal,
to minister his grace.
Be still, for the power of The Lord
is moving in this place.
David Evans

The sunsets and sunrises, too, are exquisite and truly mark the beginning and end of a day.

Day 3 on Iona Morning Prayer

Each morning we walk to the abbey for Morning Prayer. A path through a field alongside the water, through two stiles,one gate, and over two creeks lead to the side door. Inside candles are lit and a piano is being played. Prayers, readings, and hymns make a perfect way to begin the day.

Machair, west coast of Iona

A walk this day from Baile Mor past Martyrs Bay, Crossroads, the golf course to Machair.
Some pilgrims visiting the Iona pick up two stones from the beach. One is thrown back into the sea as a symbol of something in their life that they would like to leave behind. The other is taken home as a sign of a new commitment they have made.