Dear People’s people,

I write as I am preparing for a sabbatical that will last from April 15-August 15. In the March newsletter, I wrote about how People’s people are filling the various ‘Rachel-shaped holes’ I will leave behind. Thank you, everyone!

Today, I want to tell you some ‘sabbatical etiquette’ and about my plans for my sabbatical time.

First, if there are any conversations you want to have before my sabbatical, please reach out. We’re running out of time – and I will try to make time for any conversations folks need to have before April 15.

Etiquette: While I am away, I will be trying to connect and reconnect with the parts of myself that are outside of ministry. Kalamazoo is often a small place and I will certainly see some of you, especially those of you who also live in West Main Hill or also send your children to Northglade Elementary. When that happens, we do not need to pretend to be strangers! Please say, ‘hi!’ I’d love to hear about your life – but please don’t tell me about church (even if you are sharing great news). Church up-dates won’t help with my sabbatical project. Trust that I will hear anything big and urgent from church leaders.

Last sabbatical, a few of you left (or mailed) notes for me at the church about things unfolding in your life or things you wanted to tell me with ‘do not open until after sabbatical’ written on the envelope. Having these life updates, poems, ideas for sermons and church programs waiting for me up-on my return was very sweet. If that is something that appeals to you, please do that, understanding that I won’t see them until August. (And please send physical notes – I do not plan to read any of the email I receive during sabbatical. I can’t imagine catching up on it!)

As for what I am planning for my sabbatical time, I have a few things in mind, but also want to be flexible enough to see what unfolds. I’m looking for-ward to more time with my spouse and kids – at 6 and 9 they are in the sweet spot of being old enough to take care of most of their bodily needs and young enough that they want to spend lots of time with me. I’m looking forward to taking up a few long-dormant projects that I can’t find time for in my ‘regular’ life, including working on a couple of unfinished writing projects and walking every block in the city of Kalamazoo. I also have a few travel plans. My best friend and I try to meet up every year at a place where she has a conference and then spend a few days exploring. This year, our destination is Houston. I’m looking forward to seeing my friend and spending time in Texas, a state I have never visited. My immediate family and I are also planning a trip to Europe. My brother and his family moved to the Netherlands almost two years ago. I am looking forward to reconnecting with my brother and having the cousins spend time together. Perhaps, if we see each other around town, I will be able to tell you all about it.

Take good care, everyone,
Rachel