First days on Iona

After 3 ferry trips I have made it to the end of the world!  I'm sure if I were to swim out a bit I'd fall off the edge :)


Ferry #1: Ardgour-Corran



Ferry #2: Lochaline-Fishnish



Ferry #3: Fionnphort-Iona





So, this is 'home' for the next 8 weeks!

I'm not actually living at the abbey, but work and eat here every day.  Volunteers stay at the Macleod Centre 2 mins up the road.  The island itself is only 5kms long, with a population of 125 (not including the community).  There is the Abbey of course, the Macleod Centre, Gift shops, small supermarket and a few other buildings.  There are also heaps of historical sites and beautiful beaches to explore.  I haven't had much of a chance to get out and take photos yet though, because the weather has been horrible!  The day I arrived was good, but since then it's been rain, wind and no power one morning too.  I've got 8 weeks here so I'm sure there will be photo taking opportunities soon :) 

Daily life at the moment involves lots of washing dishes, making beds, doing laundry and scrubbing toilets.  I work 7.5 hrs a day, 5.5 days a week....Tuesday will be my first day off...yay!

Here are some highlights so far:

• The Abbey - there is something special about coming to work each day in such an old and beautiful place.  I love going past the tourists into the entrance that says "residents only"!  Hehe...
• People - I've met some lovely people so far.  The team I work with are great and we have heaps of fun.  There is always someone to talk to, but also enough space to be alone if I want.

Challenges so far:

• Sleep - A lady in my room has taken snoring to a whole new level.  It is epic.  I cannot understand how so much noise can come from one person!  Alas, even with earplugs a good night's sleep is a faint memory :(
• The community here has a strong focus on justice and peace, which in itself is a good thing.  Aside from that the community is quite liberal, so it's a good challenge for me to take on what is good, and also hold on to what I know is right.   

So, enough writing...time for some photos of the journey to Iona.  Have a lovely week.  God bless! :)