So those interesting food experiences I mentioned last week? The first was lunch in Goshen, with Rick. Cashew and green olive sandwich. Yep...you heard it right, and it was delicious. It will appear as an appetizer at our next gathering, if not the main dish at lunch. Greencroft Communities was kind enough to let me participate in their board meeting the following morning where continental breakfast was served. My first taste of baked oatmeal had me convinced, and I've made it twice since my return home. If Chuck and Gail have all the necessities we will probably enjoy it again tomorrow morning. Really nice with fresh yogurt and fruit.
I'm writing today from the home of my cousins, Chuck and Gail Belisle, where I am visiting along w/ my sister, Sr. Sara Marie Belisle, OSF (aka Patty.) Since this sabbatical experience is about rest and reflection as much as it is about study, I've tacked a little family time on the front of my last best practices visit. So glad I did...there is something about returning to one's roots that leaves us centered like nothing else. Patty picked me up yesterday afternoon in Fargo, ND, and we returned to her convent in Hankinson for the night. What a treat to see her sisters and her home...lots of renovation going on there which reminded me of our Campus, and like us the changes they are making are part of remaining relevant. They are remodeling what was a school, with classrooms, gym space, labs, etc. and converting it to retreat space. Lots of creative adaptations going in that will extend their ministry well beyond what their founding sisters imagined in the early 1900's. Talk about staying power.
Above I noted that I'm closing in on my last best practice trip. Next week I will visit colleagues at Rest Haven Christian Services and Cedar Campuses, located in the Chicago and Milwaukee areas respectively. Both organizations are known for innovation, and both have expanded their ministries well beyond the scope of their first missions. I know that they will round out my expeience nicely and I'll take home very practical information for the benefit of our community.
I'm very conscious this week that my sabbatical time is drawing to a close. It's time for me to begin synthesizing information and drawing conclusions about how organizations grow and maintain thier sense of identity and culture over time. I'm also finding myself thinking about "splash down," or how I re-enter my worklife in a way that is healthy and respectful of the growth that has happened there in my absence. Consider this an invitation to comment if you have had a similar experience and have advice to offer.
Off to check on the soup boiling on the stove in the next room, so 'til next time...
God Bless.
Peg
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