Hi-ho from Iona

Hello from Iona, the small rock where St. Columba brought the Christian faith to Scotland. It's a beautiful day, and we've had a delightful time walking around this very green island. The island is especially quiet after the tourists have left.

We took two ferries and a bus to get here. Crossing the Isle of Mull, we were impressed by the craggy hills and bleak landscape. The crab boats were coming into Fionnphort as we landed there. Jamie conversed with a friendly sea lion, but he was speaking in French.

Tonight after dinner, we will join the Iona Community for worship in the historic abbey. And for the first time during the sabbatical, I spent a lot of money in a book store -- the Iona folks have a one-stop spot for all their wonderful songs and worship resources.

Jamie is unfamiliar with the Iona group's fresh approach to worship. As she heard the teens on the youth conference practicing for tonight, her ears perked up. "Can't wait to hear them tonight!"

More stories to tell, and some incredible pictures.