I have served as Chaplain for the past 9 years at a college that has invested significant resources and energy into becoming a more diverse community. It is a delightful and stimulating environment where I regularly encounter new ideas, cultures, and religions. At the same time I have found my training and conception of ministry stretched to the limit repeatedly as I have sought to minister to an ever increasingly diverse population. For my sabbatical, I seek to slow down from the fast-paced intensity of the academic setting and drink deeply of the contemplative traditions of several world religions. I am planning 4 directed retreats with two purposes in mind 1) to receive the personal renewal that comes from experiencing the richness and depth of four distinct faith traditions and 2)to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of each of these traditions that will strengthen my ability to be a more sensitive spiritual guide to young adults from many backgrounds. I anticipate taking time to savor these experiences, relax, and engage in related reading and conversations with colleagues. Near the end of my sabbatical I will enter into a final directed time of reflection specifically designed to help me integrate my experiences with my own Christian Anabaptist tradition. Additionally, I look forward to connecting at a deeper level with my wife of 30 years through this gift of sabbatical time. As we have reached the point in life of becoming “empty-nesters”, we eagerly anticipate the opportunity to follow through on our dream of taking ballroom dancing lessons. Ballroom dancing requires a level of trust and awareness, both of oneself and one’s partner that, like contemplative practices, moves beyond words and can add grace and flow to the “dance” of our blended life. Together these connections will enrich my life and empower my ministry to serve with renewed energy and integrity.