Dear friends,
What a gift it was to have a month of sabbatical time away! Thank you for caring for my well-being and allowing me to experience renewal and rejuvenation. You will hear lots about my sabbatical in the coming months. It began with ten days in New Mexico. I flew into Albuquerque, where my cousin Adam picked me up and brought me to dinner with his partner Marla and son Luther and my aunt and uncle Adri and Jack. The next morning they drove me to Abiquiu, in the high desert, where I participated in a five day nature retreat.
The retreat was everything I had longed for—and even more. We were outdoors most of the time—kayaking, hiking, sitting in the sunshine. The group was a fascinating mix of people—pastors, yoga teachers, school principals, a speech therapist, a few recently-retired business people. Each had stories and struggles and joys that added to the richness of the time. Our leader, a former women’s field hockey coach, knew just how to invite us to appreciate each other. You’ll hear some of their stories in sermons this summer. You’ll see some of my photos in assorted formats as well.
After the retreat I went back to Albuquerque and had four more days getting to know my family in new ways. I even got to test out my welding skills in my cousin’s workshop! I hadn’t seen my aunt and uncle in twenty years; it was so good to share memories and share our lives.
I came home for a few days, and then Fran and Jeannie and I headed to Eastham, on Cape Cod. We withstood the winds, marveled at fog in the mornings, and reveled in stunning beauty of ocean and marshes. We bought a new bird book and identified some “life birds.” I biked and walked and sat on the deck looking out at Eastham Town Cove.
One day, the Resilience in Community project team came for a mini-retreat. We reflected on all we have learned from thirty-five interviews with members of Edwards Church and Open Spirit. We expressed awe at the creativity, courage and resilience reflected in the interviews. We came up with a plan for next steps: more interviews, some special programs this fall to share our learnings and gain new insights, and ultimately a book that will inspire conversation and deeper reflection. I am excited!
As my month drew to a close, I began to look forward to coming back to Framingham, to returning to this congregation that I love so much. It was so wonderful to be away. And it is so wonderful to be back.
Thank you for the opportunity. Thank you to Karen Nell, Rick, Nicola, Lori, Dara and Joe, and to everyone who supported our programs and our congregation.
Peace, Debbie