This is my sabbatical blog

This is where I will be posting updates from my Appalachian Trail adventure. I have been following my call to ministry for a long time. From where do you count the start date? In June 1996, I graduated from the University of Chicago Divinity School with my M. Div. 25 years ago, and that feels like a good milestone. I’ve served churches in IL, OH, IN, RI, and now Windsor, CT. It has been a long journey, but there is still so much more desire for an adventure. This is year of milestones: 50th birthday, 25 years of ministry, 5 years at my current church, 25 years of marriage, a daughter who graduated from college and moved to CA. What does this all mean for me and the next chapter of my life? I want to find out.

This summer I have a 2-month sabbatical and I have decided to hike the Maine portion of the Appalachian Trail–from mile 1925.9 to mile 2193.1, or 267.2 miles.

I am leaving Grafton Notch in western Maine on July 1, 2021, and plan to summit Mt. Katahdin August 1. I will be joined by members of my family–older brother Alex, husband Todd, sister Sarah, and daughter Fiona. I will spend some time on my own on the trail too.

I will be periodically posting pictures, videos, and reflections on my way. Encouragement and prayers for a safe journey are very much welcome.