I have been back from my two-month-long sabbatical for three weeks, and am finally feeling “caught up”, although I’m determined to think it’s a month earlier than it actually is. (I ask myself, “Why are the leaves changing so early this year?!?”) I continue to be thankful for the opportunity I had to experience an individual spiritual retreat, visit family and friends, exercise my brain, accomplish tasks at home and broaden my view of 

the world. 

 

The trip to Ghana, Africa was as challenging as the time spent at Benet Pines Monastery and Retreat Center was relaxing. The class I took at the Chautauqua Institution reignited by interest in history and it was great to check things like carpet cleaning and window washing off my list of home tasks. I read six books (two fiction, two memoirs, one church history and one on spiritual growth) and listened to six unabridged books on CD – 

the longest one being Travels in Siberia which seemed unending. And, I’m striving to finish reading two books that I began – Uncle Tom’s Cabin and a book of prayers. 

 

So, I thank the Church Council and the Endowment Committee for approving the time away and the funds for church-related expenses while I was gone. I am abundantly grateful to Pastor Carolyn Wager-Hier, Judy Lee and the rest of the church staff for doing a fantastic job of moving ministry forward while I was gone. And I want to express special thanks to Pastor Carolyn for the Pastoral Care that she provided to members of our 

church family in times of crisis. And, of course, I thank the congregation for their support of me whether I was present or absent! 

 

I have presented a program on my sabbatical – complete with photos – to the WELCA group and will be doing so again on a Wednesday evening in November. Anyone who is interested in hearing more is most welcome. In the meantime, I’ll try to convince myself that it’s November, not October, as we prepare for Advent, which is just around the corner. (How can that be?!?)