We've been almost too busy to post the last few days and it has been difficult finding a place with internet. We spent Thursday and Friday in the Highlands. Sue discovered some new things about her family clan, the Campbells. Seems back in the 1500's they killed about two hundred McDonalds after that clan had welcomed them into their castle and partied with them for 12 days. Some of the highlanders still hold a grudge against the Campbells it seems.
After a 10 hour trip that included a bus ride, a ferry ride, another bus ride and a ferry ride, we ended up in Iona last evening. This 2 mile long ISLAND is a special place. We will be with 30-40 people this week from other parts of the world forming community through worship, work and sharing meals together. I served as a deacon this morning for worship. There were about 150 present. I thought of how many people had settled down in this 12th century church to be reminded of God's presence and love through bread and wine. In the face of all who had sat in that place before me I felt small but realized all are still kept in God's hand.
This Island was settled in the 6th century by Columba and his missionary friends. They started a monastery and from here launched a mission to convert Scotland and northern England.
Sunday afternoon I played golf on a real Scotish golf course. The course was in the middle of a sheep and cow pasture. One of the rules allows a ball to be dropped free if it lands in fresh cow or sheep dung. I played with a group of young people who are volunteering at Iona. There were seven countries represented in the ten of us who played. Most of them were just learning the game, but we had a joyful time.
For the rest of the week we will be worshiping twice a day, sharing meals and doing some work together. I'm talking to lots of people about their practice of communion.
We miss all, but feel we are learning so much. Blessings.