Where You Lead, We'll Follow: Iona

This past weekend, Andrew and I visited the Isle of Iona. I went to Iona 10 years ago with my dad and loved it. It was such a joy to share this small island with the love of my life. Iona is not somewhere people go because it's convenient or "on the way" to anywhere. It is the destination. To get there, we took a train from Carlisle to Glasgow, another train from Glasgow to Oban, a ferry from Oban to Craignure (Isle of Mull), a bus across Mull to Fionpphort, and a final ferry to Iona. It was worth every leg of the journey to get there.

This island is home to the Iona Abbey. It is a pilgrimage thousands make each year, as Iona is the first site of Christianity in all of Scotland, dating back to 538 A.D., when Saint Columba arrived from his native Ireland to form a monastery.

Iona may be the most beautiful place I have had the privilege of experiencing. It has pebbled beaches such as St. Columba's Bay as well as other beaches with white sand and blue water; green grass and rugged hills (which just a month ago would have been covered in blooming heather); it's small but mostly untouched by urban development. Its purity carries with it a peace that stills my soul and quiets my spirit. So bear with me as I share a glimpse with you of this square inch of the Father's Creation which I love. Pictures simply don't do it justice, but I'll attempt to convey this island's beauty in the following:

Saturday morning we took a boat out to the Island of Staffa, which was formed through volcanic activity, creating distinctive hexagonal pillars. On this trip, we also got to see seals, a whale, and dolphins:

Sunday morning we worshiped in the Abbey. We shared in the sacrament of communion, and we sang and prayed in this restored ancient monastery, where people have worshiped for hundreds of years.