I didn’t expect this

There’s quite a lot about living on Iona that has surprised me. I thought I kinda knew what I was getting into. And yet, there have been many unexpected things.

We all have accents when we talk. But it’s funny to be in the minority. We have a group of Americans this week and I will confess it was funny to hear US accents again. I used to pretty much be the only one around here. I work with Declan whose thick Irish accent is wonderful, though I do have to ask him to repeat himself sometimes. He doesn’t mind.

Accents aren’t the only different thing. We may all speak English but words have different meanings. Did you know that paddling here means splashing around in the water at the beach. Basically wading. It’s true. The first time I was asked if I wanted to go paddling I thought there would be kayaks involved.

I love hearing the sounds coming from the kitchen on my days off. I know what they are doing in there. It used to be a mystery but now those noises make sense. I can hear ovens opening, dishes being tossed into the big sink, and the walk in fridge door opening and closing. I feel like I’m in on a big secret life. It’s an orchestration of food being made and served.

I got a massage! InBalanceIona is a lovely spa for one. Where the road stops at the north end of the island you will find two red roofed buildings. Sandra and her magic is in the second one. My aching back was delighted to find this secret. Other volleys (volunteers) raved about her magic and so I had to check it out for myself. And now I have booked in every week. It’s a treat on my day off. I. Love. It! Luxury? Maybe. Keeping me fit for kitchen work is more like it.

I’ve found knitters. There are knitters everywhere. Two other volleys who have the same days off as I do meet for a couple hours to knit. It’s delightful. I may actually finish a pair of socks or two while I’m here.

I was embraced by this community immediately. That should not be a surprise but it was. Here’s the thing, there was no sizing up, no hazing, no you’re the new kid and we will make you feel it. Nope, just about everyone was friendly and wanted to genuinely get to know me. I was also surprised that I have a new superpower: I can remember names. I have never been good at this, but they are sticking in my head. I am thanking Spirit for that gift while I am here. It’s so nice to call guests by name, and to remember all the staff and volunteers.

We live our lives on Whats App. I am part of several threads. One for general info, one for the kitchen, one for fun, and one for my house. Not to mention individual messages flying around. It’s very convenient. I have been surprised that I have not needed an international calling plan. My phone has been in airplane mode since April 25th. A little WiFi goes a long way toward free use of the airways.

I am surprised by the work-faith-play balance. All three are happening all the time. We work hard and have lots of tasks to get done. But in the middle of that we go to morning service. Thirty minutes then back to work. And while we are working there is much conversation and fun. And then, for the kitchen folk as least, there is a nap after the shift. Everyone is pooped.

Just a few tid-bits of the surprises I’ve found and enjoyed while on Iona.