For my sabbatical I propose Walking the Water Way with John. I intend to walk from Washington D.C. to Pittsburgh on the C&O Canal and the Great Allegheny Passage trails (a continuous 380 miles along rivers) meditating on John's gospel by memorizing the book and learning/composing songs or hymns which use John's imagery and themes. This phase of the sabbatical journey would involve approximately seven weeks of walking about 10-12 miles a day (accompanied by John's gospel, a song, and my dog), being daily dropped off and picked up further down the trail by my husband (also on administrative leave). Back at camp/lodging I would spend time writing my reflections on the memorized portion, practicing John songs with my autoharp, and reading other books on this gospel. Because powerful images and themes in John (sheep, bread, vineyards, community, sharing) are reflected in the mission and work of Heifer International, a non-profit organization enabling impoverished communities develop sustainable livelihoods with agricultural projects, I propose participating in a study tour with them to explore these connections further as a part of my meditation on this gospel. Finally, I propose attending a regional conference of the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians to research new songs using the imagery of John's gospel and to encourage my musical creativity as I return to the congregation.