Valerie Sjodin

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Iona: Dream Realized in a Thin Place

I've dreamt about going to Iona. It's known as a thin place, where heaven and earth meet, where people focus on unity and peace. Also, the birthplace of the Book of Kells which has fascinated me for years. It is a pilgrimage to get there from where we live: two long plane rides, bus shuttle, train, ferry, bus, and ferry.

Welcome to Iona

Fuschia bushes were in abundance on Iona, even outside our hotel

Iona

Here is the view outside our room:

We walked during the day and evening to the Abbey:

The Cloisters are my favorite part. After services, we were invited for tea in the cloisters and to visit with someone we didn't know. It fostered a sense of peace and community. We even met Lizzie who knows our good friends back home. A small world.

I spent some time in Columba's Chapel located behind the cross:

I came back another day, lighting a candle in prayer...