Friday, Saturday and Sunday

FRIDAY
Charlotte's talk on Iona was really a standout
The youth were amazed; she even had handouts
They looked at us all with a look of chagrin
"Her report was so good, prize money we never will win."

A three hour bus ride to Oban on the coast
Some watched the scenery, but dreams were seen by most
The adults shopped at Tesco for five days of food
While the restaurant Shenanigans gave the youth a good mood
Then carting the luggage up onto the ferry
Became quite a struggle with so much to carry

Across onto Mull, and then onto the bus
With all of our luggage the driver did fuss
To the west coast we made it and got off the coach
Then onto the ferry we made our approach
The lone highland taxi then came to the dock

When he saw all the luggage the guy was in shock
It took him four trips to pick all the bags up
We arrived at the hostel on pizza we supped
A misty rain fell in the damp windy night

As prayer meditations were read by flashlight
If you bought Pilgrim Stock, the value sure will make over
For tonight we began a true "hostel takeover"

SATURDAY
We walked to the top of Iona's highest peak
We hiked there in silence some prayer time to seek
A mountaintop experience with laying on of hands
Overlooking the ocean and the beach's white sand

We all then had free time to search and explore
They enjoyed it so much they left wanting more
Our late night together with prayer and devotion
Brought wonderful sharing with lots of emotion

SUNDAY
A great morning walk to the abbey to pray
Led by the youth for they all knew the way
They waved us all seats for the main Sunday service
Remembering new words for African hymns made us nervous

An epic adventure began after lunch
We departed at 3:00 hiking with the whole bunch
A nine mile hike down to Columba's Bay
We saw the Hermit Cell for we took the long way

Some detoured to visit Iona's marble quarry
Though it meant much more hiking, none of them were sorry
We arrived at the bay where Columba first landed
After writing in journals, together we banded

Each held another's burdens: A stone into the water to throw
We came up two by two and our "baggage" let go
We took the long walk home through fields and wild flowers
The total time hiking was over six hours

We crashed into bed by light of full moon
We told them to sleep in tomorrow we'll gather at noon.