This will be my last opportunity to write to you for a while. Today is my last day on campus before my sabbatical leave begins on Monday. It’s hard to believe it’s finally here! I’ve never done anything like this in my career, but I’m really looking forward to the opportunity. There will be time for travel to conferences, professional reading, strategic planning and thinking, visits to other Lutheran schools, and more. In addition, it will be great to have time to rest and focus on spiritual growth and contemplation.

I will definitely miss my daily interactions with students, parents, and staff. I love being a part of the body of Christ at St. Luke’s! Our theme for this school year, “We are the Body” based on I Corinthians 12:12-27, always reminds me that I am part of something bigger than myself. I am part of a community of faith, founded in the saving Gospel message of Jesus Christ, that lifts me up and supports me in all things. The amount of positive feedback about my sabbatical has been very encouraging for me. I am glad to serve in my role at our school and can’t wait to return to it soon. See you in April!