Unknown Sanctuaries

Tomorrow we head out to the Isle of Iona, the Holy Isle, and set foot upon the land that St. Columba stepped upon after his leaving from Ireland. I must say I am excited and nervous about going to such a remote place though I have heard that many other spiritualists make pilgrimages there. We should be in good company and the events over the last few days seem to point towards a blessed time.

Just before we left Edinburgh Scotland we participated in a Sunday morning mass at St. Cuthbert’s church and received blessings by the acting bishop. Today we endured some pain for a tattoo symbolizing our eternal love for each other, and just a little over a week ago we ourselves left the green shores of our second home Ireland. Along the way we have been blessed with friends and confronted past issues, while walking away from those who would rather belittle rather than befriend us; I would say we have been prepared but can you ever be fully ready?

It is going to be an awesome experience and one most likely without some of the more modern conveniences, though we won’t know that until we get there, and I am actually looking forward to it. We have shopped for main staple items, done our laundry, and even informed loved ones of our temporary departure from the world.

Many people we have come across, during our brief discussions, have told us how beautiful and spiritual the place is and I look forward to what may happen upon that Holy Isle. I will walk upon her shores with no expectations but with wide open eyes so that I may see her in her full glory. I would say that afterwards I would be a changed person but that would be exactly what I do not want – an expectation, so I shall just go forth.

I keep thinking of St. Columba and wondering what must have been going through his mind. What thoughts he had, reservations, and what sort of hardships did he endured. I know whatever I experience will not be comparable to his time but in comparison to the time it will be just as reclusive. I do know this – whatever happens it will be on an island with a long history and beautiful scenery just as everyone thus far has explained.

I am just too damn excited!