Kind and Generous

Today is my final day in Ecuador. Tomorrow I return to the United States. I haven’t written everything on this sabbatical blog that I had hoped to write. I will continue to post about my trip to Ecuador and Peru and also let you know about how I plan to spend the final month of my sabbatical. But I couldn’t leave Ecuador without first saying thanks. (Check out this post’s “twin” here.)

Here are some people and businesses that I want to send my special thanks to:

First of all, I have to express my gratitude to the members of the wonderful congregation I serve, the Shawnee Mission Unitarian Universalist Church. Thank you for affording me this fantastic sabbatical opportunity and for being supportive of my growth, development, and learning during each of the 6+ years I’ve served as your minister thus far. You are too many to thank individually, but I especially want to thank the staff and the board for stepping into new roles while I’ve been away. I also need to thank both Linda T. and Carla D. for their devotion and commitment to the worship and pastoral care programs. Along with them I thank all the Preaching Practicum graduates, the members of the worship committee, and our lay ministry team.

Thank you as well to my colleagues who took a Sunday or two in the pulpit in September, October, and November: Vern Barnet, Fritz Hudon, Ron Knapp, Thea Nietfeld, Kate Rodhe, and Lisa Schwartz.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to the Natalie Gulbrandsen Memorial Scholarship Fund at the Unitarian Universalist Association. I am grateful for a grant from this fund that has greatly assisted me with my sabbatical travels.

In Quito I stayed at Hostal Mia Leticia. This gorgeous hostal became a home away from home to me. I cannot recommend it strongly enough!

Thank you to all the baristas at the Coffee Tree in Mariscal Foch in Quito. You not only have the fastest internet connection in the country; you also always made me feel welcome.

During the days I spent in Lima, I stayed at the lovely El Faro Inn in Miraflores. Less than a 5 minute walk from a park overlooking the Pacific Ocean, it is a great place to stay!

Thank you to the captain and crew of the Sagitta for doing so much to make the trip my parents and I took to the Galapagos so special. The Sagitta is owned by Angermeyer Cruises.

As well, I am grateful to the whole staff of the Samona Lodge in the Cuyabeno Reserve in Ecuador. You are a treasure inside of a treasure.

Thank you to Veronica at Andando Tours and to Angel at Happy Gringo travel. You were each very caring, professional, and helpful beyond words.

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you all!

[“Kind and Generous” is a song by Natalie Merchant.]