Author Archives: deacondawn

It is no vacation holiday to spend time on Iona as a volunteer. You will work diligently and purposefully for the privilege of spending an extended period here. Sure you receive room and board but in exchange you will work … Continue reading →

Saying farewell to the vollies last week was particularly difficult. These were folks I had spent an entire four weeks with and a few were ones that I had known on journey’s past. I have recounted previously how well we … Continue reading →

So you come to Iona as a volunteer and you will spend 6, 8, 10 weeks in community with people from all over the world (my current roommates include an Italian, German, Canadian and Finn). Who, you begin to realize, … Continue reading →

I am a definite introvert. My Myers Briggs indicator barely has a blip of extroversion. So how does an introvert live in community? By learning to pick your interactions, and being very aware that you need time apart. At first … Continue reading →

Imagine this. You are living on this tiny island. You have no access to television. You have no immediate or continuous access to the Internet. There is no shopping complex or cinema. You must walk or ride a bicycle anywhere … Continue reading →

Those of you that live in shared housing with a spouse or a child or other family members have to extend courtesies to those you live with. Now you may not even think about it or you may wonder why … Continue reading →

Despite what it may seem I don’t actually come to Iona for a holiday or retreat. This is not hours upon hours of prayer and meditation. I work, WORK, physical labor 5 and a half days a week for up … Continue reading →

One of the things that draws me back to volunteer on Iona is the privilege of living and working with so many amazing young people. Granted I teach predominantly young adults, but they are quite different than the young folks … Continue reading →

If you have been following my blog for any length of time you are probably aware of my love/hate relationship with porridge. All that is about to change. For the unaware, porridge is a Scottish breakfast dish, and although made … Continue reading →

10. Since the difference between events and movements is that movements involve sacrifice which also connects to the true meaning of religion and what makes for social change– ask yourself what is important enough to give your life to and … Continue reading →