Justin's Blog

 Archive for the ‘Pilgrimage 2007’ Category

For photos out a plane window taken with a phone, I thought these were pretty good!

I was lucky enough to spend a couple of days with Anna in gorgeous Oregon this week.  The only downside was that we were so busy meeting people that I didn’t get to do much, if any, sightseeing.

I did though do a training for a group of state surveyors who are coming across Therap in more and more places.  they were very receptive to learning more about how Therap works and how they can better do their job working with our customers.  Remember, if you would ever like us to come out and do a training for your surveyors, just let me know.

A bunch of other meetings and it looks like things are going really well on the left coast.  Anna and Allison have done a tremendous job with a great group of providers.

Don’t forget the Oregon Conference is coming up soon. We should have the schedule ready next week.

:: Justin ::

Today, the pilgrims from our journey to Scotland this summer presented to the rest of the church who had help so much with their support over the last couple of year.

I’m in the process of trying to convert their presentation from PowerPoint to video so I can post it and then I’ll share it with you.

What was particularly cool was how many people had followed the journey and felt a sense on connection through the pages of this blog.

:: Justin ::

As Dora would say “We did it, We did it”

There may be only twelve now, but they are on the plane back to the US.

This morning went remarkably smoothly under beautiful blue skies.

After breakfast, a couple of shuttle busses took us out to the airport.  A bit of a wait in line for checking in (bad news getting on a plane the day after The Open – I have never seen so many golf bags!)

Iona and I then posted people through security and we were able to head back on the bus to my folks.

Thanks again to everyone, and if you have any photos of the reception back at the church, do please email them to me so that I can add them to the collection on this blog.  stpaulspilgrimage@gmail.com

Now it’s my turn to read Harry Potter and I may even hit the pub! (only to keep Darryl happy you understand).

 

:: Justin ::

 

PS The plane actually took off early!  You can track the flight for yourself on www.continental.com.  Just click the Track Flight link and enter 109

 

UPDATE:

Almost there…

As our pilgrimage draws to a close, the sun shone on us again! Having said that, as we headed off to church this morning it was still raining!

Church was at St. Martin of Tours in Edinburgh, the church that I pretty much grew up in and my Dad was the rector. The sermon was given by Michele and Iona who did a marvelous job of presenting who we were, where we are from, what we were doing, what we had to do to get here, and what we learned along the way. There sermon was much appreciated by the congregation and their fellow pilgrims.

After church we walked to my parents hours for lunch. Mum laid on a very fine spread and Dad provided entertainment. Again a great time was had by all – Thanks!!

We then walked some more up to the Union Canal were we boarded the Kelvin and the Kelvin II for a short trip into the centre of Edinburgh. It’s a great way to travel and a unique perspective on the city. The restoration work that has been done on the canal now allows for travel by boat all the way from Edinburgh to Glasgow. From there we jumped in a taxi all the way up to the castle.

There were many hugs exchanged on the castle esplanade, for two reasons: 1. there were folks wandering around giving out free hugs (Iona seemed to be on of their main customers) and 2. It was here that Sister BJ left us to head back to Delaware (she has a flight back from Glasgow tomorrow to Philly and we are flying from Edinburgh to Newark [actually Iona and I aren't flying anywhere, but everyone else it]).

The castle (as always) was tremendous, the sunshine only made it more so. We were particularly impressed with Terry making it all the way to the top to see the Scottish Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny as well as St Margaret’s Chapel.

We then (after Debbie and Nancy had scoured every last gift shop … twice) headed down the High Street and stopped to watch some street performers. At this point some folks headed back to the hostel while others of us wandered down to Princess Street Gardens to look at the floral clock, some rather large thistles (pretty cool photo huh?), and more spectacular views of the castle. It was then back to the hostel via the Broughton Street Chippy when we dined on some fine local faire (combined with chips smothered in brown sauce.

As this will be my final post with everyone here, I thought I would have all the pilgrims add a sentence. I will blog again once they are one the plane, and feel free to hang around as I blog about the rest of my week in Scotland and when I get back to work.

Thanks to everyone who made this amazing event possible (I will reflect more through the week), especially Therap Services where I occasionally work and this blog is hosted.

:: Justin ::

I hope everything hasn’t completely fallen apart at home. – Chris

I finally found the dragons. Expect pictures. (HI MOM). – Guess. Seriously. – Jason

My eyelashes are purple. Fear me, fear me. – The One Formerly Known as Iona

Hey everyone Scotland was very fun. See you when I get back. (Emily Kara Palinkos)

Thank you all for making this wonderful week possible! So far we got them all with us — haven’t lost any! – Nancy

Regarding Darryl…tried to ditch him, wound up hitching him! See you soon!. Debbie

Looking forward to seeing you all again – Terry

Darryl did write something, but it probably wouldn’t endear him to his newly re-betrothed wife, so I deleted it. Take it from me, it was really, really funny!

I don’t know what to say yet – Eric

After this week of pilgrimage, fun and companionship, it’s going to be hard going back to work! – Bryan

Dear Parents: I am officially moving here. Would you please send my stuff to the cathedral on the Island? Thanks. I will mail you the address tonight. I hope you come visit me. Much Love, Michele <33

(p.s. I am just kidding, but I think you knew that already.)
This trip has been so much fun and I can’t wait to see you all again! Rachelle<3

Hey! I hope everything is going well, even though I miss everyone I’m still dreading leaving. I’ll see you all tomorrow! =D -Amanda

Well, it finally happened, I think that people were starting to doubt that the weather actually could be miserable here (or as the girls on the bus said “Do yous no think the weather’s rubbish here?”).

This morning started with a final Morning Prayer in the cathedral very nicely led by Helen.  This was followed by an equally nice final breakfast (with particularly fine toast).

We then headed down to for our final bus ride to our final ferry.  This was on the new ferry which was very fancy!

We then got the train from Largs to Glasgow where we got a bus to the other station in Glasgow where we got the train through to Edinburgh.  Sure enough as we got to the edge of Edinburgh it started to rain!

I love the view of Edinburgh that you get as you come out of Waverley Station, it really is like no other city in the world as the castle, Arthur’s Seat, the Scott Monument and other assorted bits welcome you.

We then strolled down to the Youth Hostel where we are staying (stopping for lunch on the way).  The youth hostel is really cool, we are in four rooms with bunk beds and sharing the building with other travelers from around the world.

We then hopped on a double decker bus to the old town of Edinburgh’s High Street and did some souvenir shopping in the rain before heading back to the hostel to plan our sermon for tomorrow.

Hopefully tomorrow will be drier as we head off to the church I grew up in, have lunch with my folks, and do some more tourist stuff.

:: Justin ::

Hello Southington (and whoever else happens to be reading this).  It’s Iona, and this keyboard is unusual.  The @ sign is down low and there’s a $ above the 4 and a £ above the 3.  Weird. 

Today we did a whole lot of work outside, cleaning the paths and the stairs outside the cathedral and generally helping Helen.  Everyone did something, either with a pitchfork, shears, shovels, a wheelbarrow (Dad: “The front wheel went round.”), or just their own two hands.  It looked a lot nicer when we were through.  (Dad: “Bryan and I did a whole nother section after tea!”) 

Then we went into town for lunch and out free day, and split into two groups for rides on a seven-person bike…a septcycle?  Maybe.  That was fun – though I’m not sure who was least trustworthy at the wheel…my dad, Jason, or Mr. Kenney!

 

Everyone has spent at least some time with Helen’s giant super-dog Bailey.  (Side note: St. Bernards do not only grow massively; they slobber massively too.)  Even though he weighs more than most of us and is the size of a small horse, he’s a huge softie and simply adores attention.  Just…try not to let him kiss you.  Smelly.

Then we got to ring the amazing set of bells up in the church tower.  After a rather steep set of winding stairs, there were maybe ten strings on the wall to pull, each ringing a different bell hidden up above, out of sight.  There was a play-by-numbers sheet pinned up behind then.  If that doesn’t amuse you, you could always pick out the notes to the Star Wars theme…I really shouldn’t be allowed near anything musical.  The cool part about the bells, though, was that our playing attracted four people to come walk up and see where the noise was coming from.  Pastor Terry was there to greet them and show them around.  (Dad: “If you play them, they will come.”)  That was just bad.

And a note to parents…if your pilgrim is a girl (or Jason), when she (or Jason) arrives home, be sure to inquire who “Steven” is.  (The word ‘toast’ may prompt the memory if necessary.)

It stays light so late here – it’s already 10:00 pm and the sky isn’t even close to black.  more of a smoky grey, but the numerous clouds must be taken into consideration.  That would be 5:00 pm Eastern, 3:00 pm Mountain, 3:00 am tomorrow in Bangladesh, (Dad: “2:45 am tomorrow in Nepal!”)

Bonus points if your last name is Writability or Zwart.  (Dad’s watching and reading the phone book…Zwart is the last name and honestly, who doesn’t want the name Writability?)

(Dad: “Are we there yet?”)  I’m being subtley kicked off through bad jokes, so I hope the weather is nice but not too hot wherever you happen to be, that your summers are going amazingly, and thanks for commenting, you guys make us feel special.

Thanks especially from me to comments from Mom and Tom…that rhymed…miss you guys.  And thanks to my prayer partner Elaine.  No more, I feel like I’m making an acceptance speech.

Much love from all the pilgrims (even the old ones),
Iona

 

PS  That was easy! Now all that is left for me to do is to say that tomorrow we are off to Edinburgh.  I hope to find somewhere to blog from on Saturday, but will for sure on Sunday when we go for lunch with my folks.

:: Justin :: 

Today started off very quietly.

From wake up until 10:30am we were silent save for morning prayer which Eric ran for us and was made all the more powerful for the silence on either side.  After breakfast we were given some tips on meditation and imagination and then sent off to be by ourselves.

On regrouping it was clear that this had been a significant period of time for all of us, whether or not we had discovered andything momentous.  Chris in particular was able to share his experiences with us all.

As we had lost touch with our bus driver who was going to take us to Stirling and decided that other options involved too much travelling (in some senses we are travel weary pilgrims! – particularly Terry is is doing amazingly well for being so recently in surgery and only just having swapped a surgical collar for a clerical one) we headed down to the pier in Milport to take a ride on Waverley, the last sea-going paddle steamer in the world.

While waiting for our ship to come in a few nice old ladies (as Iona describes them) started playing music and showing off some Scottish Country Dancing.  As soon as they asked for volunteers, Iona and Michele were in there and then when a Dashing White Seargent was up, many of those who had practiced at the St Pauls Burns’ supper were up there giving it their all.

The trip on Waverlry was wondeful for everyone, each in their own way.  Iona and I were able to remember earlier trips.  Bryan marvelled at the triple expansion engine in all its glory.  Darryl talked to everyone aboard.  Sister BJ debated whether our next pilgrimage should be hanging out with the Bhuddist monks on Holy Isle.

It may have been a little windy and even a bit chilly on board but we all had a great time complete with Curly Wurlies, Lion bars, and everyone’s new love: Irn Bru.

We arrived back at the cathedral just in time for another wonderful dinner and with all that sea air I think we will sleep well.  I hope so as tomorrow we have work duties and some interesting cycling.

But that’s another story…

 

:: Justin ::

 

Today we were up bright and early for a cold breakfast prior to heading off to Glasgow.  Again we were left with a riddle by Beth.  This time it was about St. Mungo and we had to discover the story behind:

• The bird that never flew
• The fish that never swam
• The tree that never grew
• The bell that never rang.

We did get the answer, but it’s way too long for in here so be sure to ask your pilgrims about it we they return.

When we got down to the bus stop this morning we discovered that we had half an hour left before the next bus.  We made great use of the time with morning prayer on the waterfront in the morning sunshine!  As far as I could tell, this was at the instigation of the younger half of the group.

We then boarded the bus to the ferry to the train heading up to Glasgow.  From central Station we grabbed some taxis up to Glasgow Cathedral which is in an area that includes a museum of religion and art and the oldest house in Glasgow.

All three were tremendous, my favourites being the older underground areas of the cathedral – all the way back to St. Mungo’s tomb (looking forward to telling Doris all about this) and the photos on the top floor o fthe museum of Glasweigans of assorted beliefs.

The younger pilgrims then headed off for some exploration and lunch (seemed to be centred around Starbuck’s and Macarion and Cheese pies) while us old folks had a very pleasant sit down lunch.

There was more than one droopy eyelid as we headed back on the train to Largs.  What was dramatic was the ferry ride across to Cumbrae where Largs was covered in dark clouds complete with thunder and lightning while Cumbrae remained bathed in sunshine.

It looks like tomorrow’s plans are changing a little as our bus driver appears to have gone AWOL.  Top of the list at the moment is a trip around Arran and some of the other local Islands on Waverly, the worlds oldest sea-going paddle steamer.

For those of you who have loaned us your children this week, thanks!  They are just a great bunch who impress me more every day with the way they look out for each other and make sure that everyone is included.  I am truly lucky to be herewith them.

We are also very lucky to have Sister BJ with us who understands us, the kids, this island and the whole process that we are going through. 

 

:: Justin :: 

 

 

An exciting little update today…

Having conspired with the rest of us (and half the staff at the cathedral) Darryl proposed to Debbie this evening when she thought she was coming in for evening prayer (thankfully she was on time today!)

Now, as many of you will know, they have been through this before (almost 30 years ago!), but took this opportunity in this thin place to renew their vows and provide a moment that the pilgrims will never forget and we all will treasure.  With music by Michele, Emily as Bridesmaid and Amanda providing a beautiful card as well as something blue (some beads). The old was her wedding ring, the borrowed, flowers from the cook, the new a gorgeous pendant that Iona and I helped Darryl sneak back from Largs.

Congratulations!

 

:: Justin ::

Again, there has to be a “before I get to today…” bit

Last night after evening prayer (maybe 9:30pm-ish) a group of us (me, Bryan, Debbie, Eric, Rachelle, and Michele) went back up the hill again to watch the sun set over Kintyre.  Despite the clouds doing their best to hide the sun it was glorious, made even more so by the brightness at such a late hour.  We then too the long way back, walking another three miles or so, still in the light until well past eleven.

 

Today after our now normal morning prayer and breakfast we strolled into town to catch the bus to the ferry to Largs.  This was after Nancy shared her comment for the day from Beth Richards (thanks Beth!).  “What do Erik the Viking and Smokey the Bear have in common?”

 

 

It was a nice bright day that just continued to get sunnier and warmer.  With Darryl and me taking a quick detour to the post office we headed over to Vikingar (a combination Viking museum, swimming pool, gym!)  We of course were there for the Vikings – in particular Jason who looks rather fetching in a viking helmet.  There we learned of younger sons heading off to die in the glory opf battle, and of the bezerkers going mad with their axes and many more stories of the Vikings and their conquest and eventual defeat at the Battle of Largs in the 13th century.

Then it was down to the beach to throw stones (Iona, Eric, and Jason could skip them the best) before lunch at an outdoor cafe (yes, eating outdoors in Scotland!).  The it was off to explore Largs and watch the world go by before heading back to the island.

All week our pilgrims have been leading services from an excellent book that they were given at comissioning.  We have been accompanied by Michele’s flute and Sister BJ has been teaching us some wonderful new songs.

 

More tomorrow when we return from hanging out with St. Mungo

 

:: Justin ::

 

PS They both have the same middle name!!!