Sabbatical Journey (SJ)2 - Thanks at the Outset

I am writing this on the eve of our long- awaited trip to Turkey, Albania and Greece. As we spent the last few days packing and pulling everything together, I have been reflecting on how blessed we are to be able to make this journey which lies ahead.

I want to take just a moment before the trip starts to acknowledge those who have been instrumental in making this possible or in helping us prepare to get the most out of the experience. These may sound a bit like Jimmy Fallon's tongue in cheek "Thank You Notes." but I assure you, these words of thanks are sincere.

• Thank you Elders at Conejo for holding to your promise for this sabbatical. I know that some of you will think, "There's no need to say 'thanks.' Sabbaticals are a policy - of course we stuck to that promise." I still want to say "Thank you." This is a policy you put in place and honor because you recognize the importance of these times for spiritual and personal renewal for ministers at Conejo. I am very grateful for that. Tami and I would likely never go to the places we are about to see without your faithful partnership and support. 
• Thank you David Jack for being a good friend and a terrific travel professional.  It is so good to have a friend like you I can count on for solid guidance and direction.  Your advice and expertise have been invaluable as we made reservations, plans, and asked 1,000 questions.
• Thank you Jim and Penny White for lending us your big sturdy luggage which has been travel tested and approved. This was such a thoughtful gift. Our luggage would have made the trip, but it may not have survived the entire journey there and back again. You saved us from having to buy new luggage now and gave us peace of mind for the travel process.
• Thank you Ty and Kindy DeLong for the travel books on Istanbul. We are even more excited having read through them last night.  Your generosity in lending them to us and your enthusiasm about what awaits us there have us even more eager to go and explore on our own.
• Thank you to all of you who we have had conversations with or who have given us advice on where to go and what to see. Many have wished us safe travel and good adventures. You are all too numerous to name here.  We are very grateful for your well wishes and even more grateful for your prayers on our behalf.  

Tomorrow we embark on what we believe will be a grand adventure! Thank you for supporting us and continuing to pray for us on our journey. God has blessed us with 23 wonderful years of ministry at Conejo.  Please join Tami and me in praying that this sabbatical journey will give us renewal, energy, and fresh eyes and enthusiasm for the road ahead.  May God empower and prepare us for even more effective ministry together with all of you in the future.