I am sitting in a well-equipped but lovingly worn property on the far end of Iona in Scotland.
The journey to arrive here began with some physical and emotional healing as well as “thinking big” enough to pursue a doctorate. Seeing Iona on the program itinerary I was both excited to travel and aware I've been to the Isle before (twenty four years ago).
How would we manage it financially? Would I be healed from my hysterectomy, now one year ago, and stronger to manage all the travel with enjoyment?
It always amazes me how time does its work and the day arrived. I was fitter, excited and in the company of a good companion - my 18 year old Muriel (whose name means “sea bright” and “angel of June” with Scottish origins).
Our first stop in Edinburgh was a visual, gothic delight. From there we took the train to Glasgow and felt proud to be navigating the trains and enjoying their perks. Travel really is a joy to me despite my tendency toward anxiety when rushed. And despite some recent issues with my back and right side (cropping up *just* before the trip), we managed well with our heavy carryons and back back.
We met up with our group and began the pilgrimage to Iona together with a train to Oban where we *feasted* dockside on fresh seafood outdoors. Then the ferry to Mull. Then a bus across Mull. Finally, another ferry to Iona around 6pm. Then, honestly, a torturous walk with our luggage on a bumpy but beautiful road to the Green Shed. By now my back was having spasms. I had worked a year to be someone who carried luggage for others but I needed help. I trailed the group, refusing to carry shame, and took videos of arrival at a slow, cautious pace. The pilgrimage was complete.
This morning we rode and rushed (though my body was tense and cramping) to the Abbey by taxi. In waiting outside the craft shop after chapel to rent bikes for the week, a bird approached me so closely:
This little robin had an ant in her mouth and so clearly didn't need food. He was looking *at* me and was so close. It appeared to want to leap right on me. I was delighted.
I had already been listening to and identifying birds all morning. Yet, this little robin wasn't to be found in my app. A little research tells me the Robin is United Kingdom's quintessential beloved bird, believed to bring supernatural messages of love, loved-ones, happiness, luck, humility and new beginnings. I stretched out my hand to the robin and he almost leaped to it. She then flew right to me, eyes constantly on me and brushed by my head. This bird was eyeing only me. It disappeared and then came back.
Moments later my professors walked up after Robin left. I told them about my Robin and how I reached out my hand to him. Ron pulled from his pocket a piece of paper he had folded up - one which was apparently handed out at the end of the earlier Abbey service. I had missed getting one.
Here it is just as I unfolded it with them standing just in front of me.
Later I walked out on the green hill overlooking the end of the Isle, surrounded by buttercups - also associated with new beginnings.
I held out my hand for a miracle of Spirit’s choosing, wearing the same Iona green marble cross I purchased here 24 years ago.
What is new under the sun? Maybe me.
Was there last year and loved it. Such a beautiful and peaceful place. Hope you love it, too.
Lovely.