By Sarah Turner
Cross Plains, Wisconsin
Religious Studies, Music
After Mac: United Church of Christ Partners in Service
What was a young, inexperienced cook like me doing in an institutional kitchen on a remote Scottish island?
Less than 18 hours after being welcomed to the staff of the Iona Community, I found myself preparing lunch for 60 people with other volunteers from as far away as Japan and Australia. The Iona Community is a liberal, ecumenical Christian group that operates two centers on the Isle of Iona, offering hospitality and a vision of community to guests from around the world.
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| Pillars surrounding the cloisters of Iona Abbey |
I had traveled to Iona with 13 other students from Mac and three other colleges. We came to explore how we could use our knowledge and schooling to find rewarding and meaningful life paths. Our best conversations occurred not during scheduled discussion times, but as we climbed to the top of Dun’I under a full moon, celebrated my 21st birthday at the island’s pub and sailed the Atlantic in Freya, a tiny blue fishing boat with red sails. Nurtured by beautiful scenery and good company, we tackled the big questions:
How can we affect the world in a practical and positive way? How can we use our knowledge and talents?
| I discussed international politics over tea and scones, carried my dirty laundry through the sanctuary of the 800-year-old Abbey and sang in four-part harmony while washing dishes.
—Sara Turner |
After our week together on the island, I waved goodbye to my friends as they returned home and I stayed for six more weeks to put my thoughts into action. I discussed international politics over tea and scones, carried my dirty laundry through the sanctuary of the 800-year-old Iona Abbey and sang in four-part harmony while washing dishes. I found insights where I least anticipated them. In the future, I’ll seek new experiences in a setting where I can be challenged, not just in the classroom, but over a pot of boiling soup.
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