Isaac Sharp and Asbjorn Kloster in the Faroe Islands (April – June 1862)

Journal of Isaac Sharp - May 2, 1862

Vestmanna

The people at this season are very busy, some are spreading fish upon the rocks to dry, and others are planting potatoes. The morning was very bright and sunny. At nine o'clock, responding to the invitation, about forty-eight persons assembled, the ready and cheerful manner in which way is thus made for us is very striking, and striking also the solid deportment of those who meet; in all this I trust we are not insensible of the loving-kindness of the Lord.

Kvivik

At twelve we again set sail, and about one o'clock landed at Quivig (Kvivik), where resides the minister of the parish, who saw the boat approaching and came out to meet us. Our time (owing to the tidal current) was very limited, and notice was promptly given for a meeting at his house at two. Asbjorn Kloster and myself sat in the entrance porch, behind us were some of the minister's household, including himself; and in the court-yard in front, of ample space, about fifty persons stood round the door, clustering like bees - the whole being to them both new and strange. Our mouths were opened in the love of the gospel, and ability, I trust, was given to tell of a change of heart, which nothing outward can give, and of the blessing of that union which is with Christ through the Spirit, &c., &c. At the close of the meeting our kind host shook hands with us cordially, and invited us to a simple repast, a pudding of dried cod-fish mixed with flour and raisins, sliced and fried, forming a part – a cup of excellent coffee for each being served up at the end. In this house, the study was well stored with books, the furniture was of a superior kind and arranged with much taste, while the plants in bloom on the window ledge, including the lily of the Nile, the rose and Cineraria, added greatly to the interest of the whole.

At half-past three we left, the wind was considerable and the swell heavy, Hugging the coast for shelter, headland after headland was rounded. A stone from the boat would have reached the cliffs we were passing by, on which the dashing waves of crested blue, rose and fell, with a beauty and grandeur strangely blended, entering anon some ocean cave, to return with an echoing roar; nor could a single nook be traced wherein to run for shelter. About six we landed at Midraag (Midvagur) in Waagoe (Vagar), and after some search found lodgings for the night.