Our day begins at 7:45. I'm on the morning work detail. I help set up for breakfast which is always cereal, porridge,toast, tea or coffee. After breakfast we go to morning prayers at the Abbey church. Then I return to the kitchen where I help chop vegetables for our lunch and dinner. Sue goes to clean baseboards and mirrors in the bathrooms. We have lunch at 1 and dinner at 6. Most of the food is vegetarian, with a little meat throne in for the evening meal. Last night it was nips/tatties/hogus.
Each day there are programs you can take part in or there is time to read or walk and enjoy the island. Yesterday Susan and I went on a three mile pilgrimage across the island to learn more about the ancient places. There is a worship service each evening at 9 p.m. Last night's service emphasized healing. I thought about several from our church who are dealing with challenges and remembered them in prayer.
Two things have made this a memorable week, the experience of living in community with other people and the sheer beauty of this place. Living so close to others makes one aware of many of their own weaknesses. We sometimes see things in others that are disturbing only to realize they are things that exist within our own life. Hopefully this experience teaches the importance of grace given to others and to self. And hopefully it provides a way to see things in one's life that may need some adjustment.
This little Island is a beautiful place. From almost any vantage point you can see the sound or the ocean. There are often sailboats either docked in the bay or sailing slowly past. The little village has homes that date back to the beginning of the 19th century. There are several gardens in the back yards of houses and hotels. These gardens often take the place of grass, so there is little mowing. The gardens are filled with flowers, herbs and some vegetables. The growing season isn't long enough to support anything but what we might grow in the spring. For example, their strawberry crop is still a couple or three weeks away.
The rock walls, sheep, and ancient buildings also add to the beauty and mystery of this place. They invite reflection and prayer. They encourage the enjoyment of life as it is given day by day.
We have a couple more days here, then will leave Friday to make our way to Paris.
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