JOURNEY ACROSS THE POND
A PILGRIMAGE
By: Scott Jenkins
Week 1 - August 30, 2018
The Journey Begins
The journey begins upon this ship. She's a beauty inside and out.
Her crew practices the fine art of hospitality and the food is worth looking forward to with great anticipation.
Week 1 - August 31, 2018
Hello London!
The journey to London is underway!
I am excited and grateful for this adventure!
Week 1 -August 31, 2018
A Morning Walk
Leicester Square, London on a Saturday morning. Beautiful weather, a buzzing crowd, and several different languages being spoken all around me. We speak, perceive, and act so differently from one another. Our family of origin IS God. Yeah.
Week 1 - September 1, 2018
What do they mean?
When traveling outside the States it’s always good to embrace small cultural differences. This use of language for some reason just makes me smile. Also, the first floor is not the street level floor. It’s the first floor above the ground level of course. Who knew....Following 3 attempts with the lift I finally figured it out. 😊
Week 1 - September 2, 2017
Uber On The Road
One of the great mysteries in life might be watching how different countries decided to drive on either the right side of the road or the left side of the road. Have you ever thought about that? What was it that caused people to drive one way and across the pond another way? Fascinating given our common heritage. I ride Uber when I’m in the UK. It is safer for everyone that way.
Week 1 - September 2, 2018
On the Way to Dublin
This is the Christian room as part of the Interfaith chapel at Heathrow Terminal Two. A young Muslim woman is praying on the other side of the curtain. We are so close, only divided by this cloth. Her voice is sincere and passionate. Whether it’s a wall or a curtain we see “us” and “them.” God sits on both sides of the curtain with love and patience for us both.
Week 1 - September 3, 2018
Dublin Pub
Pulls a Heart String
This image triggered a rather personal memory to share...My dad used a motorized wheelchair towards the end of his life and would travel down to the bar and drink everyday at the end of the bar like this gentleman. I was startled by seeing this scene in Dublin. I realized no matter how far I go I still take ALL of my life with me. The scenery does change. I’m still here , memories, feelings, and all.
Week 1 - September 3, 2018
On Streets of Dublin "Living Her Dream"
She couldn't do anything else but sing (beautifully) and play. Oh, I guess she COULD do something else but this is her dream, her passion. She is Canadian who “knew” her soul desired to sing in Ireland. It’s NOT about the money. It’s about the heart. Inspiring!
Week 1 - September 3, 2018
The River
“A person cannot step into the same river twice. Because the river AND the person have both changed.” - Heraclitus Time runs its course as does the river. I am learning to go with the flow. It is both a gift and a challenge.
Week 1 - September 4, 2018
Dublin With Annie
Drinking alone is a sin. Somebody should have said that.
It’s interesting to me that Jesus’ antagonists called him a drunkard more than once. We’re not drunk but fun is part of our wholesome spirituality. Enjoy life. Be happy like the great Irish folk!
Week 1 - September 4, 2018
The Book of Kells
A picture is enough. The Book of Kells exhibit at Trinity College, Dublin.
Week 1 - September 5, 2018
We Stopped at the Garden
We stopped to admire her garden. Annie and I asked if we might take a picture of her flowers. She said yes of course, in her charming Irish manner.
Week 1 - September 5, 2018
Meeting Mary
Her name is Mary Montgomery, she freely shared with us the gift of her life story. Such a heartfelt experience. The depth and the softness of her sharing came from a long life of love, loss, and gratitude. It’s good to be alive, Mary said. With all the experiences that have come into her life’s journey. It’s good to be alive indeed...and aware of that goodness the seasons life will surely bring. Annie and I were in the presence and it followed us as we walked to the coast.
Week 1 - September 6, 2018
Cub Fans...Who Knew?!
This cap comes from The Book of Kells exhibit at Trinity College, Dublin. It is a replica of an ancient Celtic headpiece worn by men and women who were proud Cub fans! Who knew?!
Week 1 September 5, 2017
For Those Carrying Alot
This is for all who are carrying just an awful lot right now. Please know you are both held and loved. Let the rest of us participate in sharing the weight of it, as you did for so many of us. Thank you.
Week 1 - September 6, 2018
Transcendent Friend
The apostle said “in Christ there is neither male nor female, Rich or poor, Jew nor Greek. I like the gist of this. Oh we know there are men and women etc. but there is a bond that transcends. This is my transcendent friend, Annie. I will miss her as our time in Dublin together comes to an end.
Week 2 - September 7, 2018
Back in London
How about this for synchronicity?
Back in London to meet family. We'll have a short stay to enjoy the city before joining the larger group headed to Iona.
Week 2 - September 7, 2018
They Mean Well
I believe he is sincere. About 100 yards from this sign are two middle aged homeless women with everything they own spread out under the bridge. As St. Vincent de Paul said,”those who care for the poor have no need to fear death.”
Week 2 - September 7, 2018
Handcrafted Delights
Some things are constant in the U.K. Goodness shows itself often within handcrafted delights. Thank you!
Week 2 - September 8, 2018
They Had Us at Hello
Hyde Park. The park is more beautiful than I have ever seen it!
Week 2 - September 8, 2018
Dire Straits
Sitting next to us on a park bench was a couple crying. They were in dire straits and we were glad we could provide some real help without “rescuing.” It’s taken me all these years to tell the difference.
Week 2 - September 8, 2018
All Souls: Rector Emeritus
John Scott was a very influential biblical scholar for me while I was in college.Being here is a profound experience.
Week 2 - September 8, 2018
An Oasis in Waterloo
Out on my own this afternoon to read and write. Found this picturesque little coffee shop in the quante neighborhood of Waterloo. Feeling at home since, ironically, I'm originally from Waterloo, Iowa :)
Week 2 - September 9, 2017
Westminster Abbey
Ghandi and two lovely people from India. The Tradition lives.
Week 2 - September 9, 2017
Nelson Mandela : The Great Bridge Builder
His strength was stronger than iron. His vision surpassed the great architects. His resources were beyond drawings, money, and fame. He was possessed by the completion that forgiveness and reconciliation would bring.
Week 2 - September 10, 2018
Tower Bridge: London
Bridges connect. Simply and profoundly. As I ride the rail and the tube I see so many with headphones on: others avoiding eye contact.
Where are our new bridges today? How is that happening for you ?
Week 2 - September 11, 2018
Train Station: Euston
Trains, planes, and the Underground. We are on the move to Glasgow. We are fortunate- yes. Privileged, I am aware. Grateful.
Yes. I love talking to people in all these venues from all over the world.
Week 2 - September 12. 2018
Cathedral in Glasgow
A beautiful sight from high upon the hilltop overlooking Glasgow.
I take in the magnificent view of the ancient cathedral.
I can turn 360° and see the horizon everywhere. It's truly something to behold!!!
Week 2 - September 12, 2018
Glasgow Necropolis
On this hill top rests Scotland’s necropolis. The word Necropolis literally is a transliteration from the Greek meaning city of the dead.
I felt very peaceful as I normally do in places of rest. Here in the necropolis, rightly named a city of the dead to date holds 50,000 souls!
Week 2 - September 12, 2017
City of the Dead
People have been honored revered visited and remember in this place. One cannot only feel the thinness between us and them but also feel and sense the love of those who have come to visit and remember them. It’s a daunting troubling peaceful experience all at the same time. It brings us face-to-face with our mortality in the hope of life beyond life.The beauty here leaves me speechless, oh so many saints here! Overwhelmed by their presence.
Week 3 - September 14, 2018
Planes, Trains and Buses
Christians before they were called Christians, were called people on the way. So we’re on the way to Iona today by way of buses, trains and ferries. It's a blur since we left Glasgow early this morning.
Week 3 - September 14, 2018
On Our Way to Iona
The day trip to Iona is long. Buses to trains, trains to ferries. First ferry to the Island of Mull, then another to Iona.The reason for this journey is becoming clear.
Week 3 - September 14, 2018
The Argyll Hotel
On the 2nd ferry of the day upon our approach we see the Argyll Hotel. We will call this home for our time here. We have arrived.
Week 3 - September 14, 2018
The Abbey on Iona
It looks like something from a post card. The beauty of this Island and the ancestry we are walking coming into feels surreal.
Week 3 - September 15, 2018
The Invitation
Here we are looking out a doorway from the Abbey on Iona at the hill where Columba used to pray and write.
Week 3 - September 15, 2018
Augustinian Nunnery
Taking shelter at the Nunnery from the harsh cold wind. It can be a rather austere place this time of year. Such a long and rich history here.
Week 3 - September 16, 2018
Goodbye to Iona
As I walked the narrow trail from the Argyll hotel to the Abbey I was taken by the thought of just how many people over centuries have walked, prayed, cried, and laughed here.
There were 15 of us in our little band of seekers. We prayed together in many places all over the island. My soul is refreshed. It was good to be here.
It is time to say goodbye to this beautiful place. Thank you, Columba and all the faithful followers who helped make this such a sacred place. Thank you O, God.
Week 3 - September 17, 2018
Edinburgh
Journey from Iona to Edinburgh today.. Time for our little band of seekers to say goodbye and go our separate ways.
This is a historic archway into the old city. The Scots are a proud and friendly people.
September 19, 2018
Back to York
This is the cathedral in York. It's testimony is to its alliance with the empire of the day. It is a massive structure which cost God knows how much money. I had my picture taken here several years ago. Sadly, there are more homeless people close by than when I was here previously. There is an enormous renovation taking place.
Week 3 - September 19, 2018
St. Helen's York
A Celtic Eucharist is celebrated every Saturday at midday as they affirm their Celtic heritage with the gifts of hospitality and prayer. Much of the original parish was bombed during WWII.
Beginning the journey home tomorrow, headed to London in the morning.
Week 3 - September 20, 2018
Hello Again London
Westminster Cathedral. An enormous, beautiful place of worship. This is a symbol of So many complicated themes all intertwined at once. Reverence, beauty, power, oppression , and majesty. The list could go on and on with the conversation.
Week 3 - September 20, 2018
London: The River Thames
THE river Thames which literally made London who she became today.
Week 3 - September 20, 2018
A Walk Along the River
The “eye” of London is an impressive piece. In a city packed with over 8 million people the walk along the river felt like a breath of relaxation
Week 3 - September 21, 2018
Leaving London
Heathrow is very busy as usual. We are so grateful we had this opportunity to visit the Celtic homelands. We are also excited about returning home!
Week 3 - September 21, 2018
Returning Home with a
Full Heart & Renewed Soul
Read Scott's journey reflection here.