Sabbatical began on Thursday, July 1st.  I am grateful for the gift of this time and space for renewal, reflection, and recreation.  I am in the second week of a two week course on Anglican Spirituality.  Recall that our Episcopal tradition rests squarely within the Anglican reformation and the world-wide Anglican Communion.  To that end, this time of study has been a real blessing.  The class meets Monday-Friday, for three hours per day.  There's been a lot of reading and, even though I am auditing (not taking the course for credit), there's also been a great deal of note-taking and class room discussion. 

At the same time, Gina and Daniel and I continue to learn how to be a family together.  All is going well in this regard, too.  Daniel has had a few foster placements in the past, and Gina knows what it is to parent teen-agers, and so I'm thinking that I'm the one who is most on the learning curve in this situation!  I am learning much, and am grateful for this turn of events for the opportunity to welcome Daniel into our family.  Many thanks to the Hoffman's for getting him to St. Mary's.  He gives me updates about who he sees and what he hears, but he's careful not to tell me too much- he likes to remind me, "No St. Mary's for you until sabbatical is over!" 

Gina and I look forward to celebrating our fourth wedding anniversary on July 29th.  The additional time with her has been great!


I do miss you all at the parish, but not in a "clingy" way - in other words, I know you're all fine, and that no one is indispensible, and that we are all in God's hands.  I'll look forward to being reunited with you all in September.  

In terms of personal renewal, along with the class I'm taking, I have a silent retreat scheduled, a reading list, and my canoe is here. I hope to read, pray, spend time outdoors, and exercise.  God is good, and life is good.  Peace to you all!