This blog will be where I record my travels during my sabbatical. The time away from my congregation, St. Paul's United Methodist Church (Boulder, Colorado), will be made possible through funding provided through the Lilly Foundation's Clergy Renewal Program. If my application is accepted, I will be spending one month at Iona Abbey on the Isle of Iona off the west coast of Scotland, three months immersing myself in Finland, the land of my ancestors, and two weeks visiting New York City.
In each city that I visit, I will be savoring three aspects of those places: churches, creativity, and culture.
Church: I love being in places where people gather to worship and sharing in the faith that has nurtured people for millennia. So, for this part of my visits, I will explore churches, shrines, basilicas, and cathedrals and other locations that have spiritual or religious significance. I will also be attending a different English-language church (where possible) each Sunday.
Creativity: I love art and creativity and want to surround myself with the way people have chosen to express themselves over the centuries. Some of the art, and the museums that house those pieces, are well-known while other are less so. So, immersing myself in the diversity present in artistic offerings will be a major part of my journey.
Culture: In each city, I will take in the places that help to define the people who call that place home. By experiencing historical sites, museums that focus on the culture of the city/nation I'm visiting, and other cultural elements, I hope to better understand the uniqueness of the people who live there. I will also be seeking out places listed by UNESCO as being of significant value to humanity.
Each day, I will be posting photos, links, and commentary about what I've seen and experienced. I hope that you will visit this blog regularly and join me on the journey of a lifetime!
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