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

Journal of Isaac Sharp - May 5, 1862

Sydrugota and Nordragota

Misty and cold, with drizzling rain. With our aged host as guide, we left Solmunde (Soldarfjordur) at 9.45, and passing over the mountainous ridge which separates one Fiord from another, reached South Giothe (Sydrugota) in about an hour and a half, where having arranged for a meeting we passed on to North Giothe (Nordragota), arriving there about twelve. The houses are curiously huddled together; reeking manure heaps, and remnants of fish, send up their exhalations in all directions -- striking is the contrast between the filth without and the cleanliness within – passing through the dirt, we were shown into a clean house, where a clean white cloth was soon spread, on a well-scoured table, near the window. At this place we were more than willingly received. The house of a neighbour contained a larger room than the one we were in; the use of it was cordially offered, and within an hour of our arrival, from 120 to 130 met together, about as closely packed, I think, as I remember to have seen at any time, It was a season of much openness, and the countenances of many bespoke their deeply serious attention. The situation of the thief upon the Cross was alluded to -- not he alone, but all have need of pardon, and like him, through faith, may find a Saviour, too, salvation being freely offered to us all, &c., &c.

When the meeting was over, our visit was gratefully acknowledged. We now returned to the house we had first entered, and partook of the provision kindly set before us, consisting of rye-bread and rusks with butter, dried mutton and uncooked sausages, -- a cup of coffee being brought in for each as usual. Sensible of the kindness with which two strangers had been entertained, we took leave, and proceeded to South Giothe (Sydrugota), where, at five, about forty assembled; After the meeting was over, our wonderful guide being still with us, we returned to Solmunde (Soldarfjordur) to lodge, arriving there, very weary, about half-past seven, but not without a peaceful sense of the mercies of the day.