My primary focus is to become comfortable conversing, and even discussing spiritual matters, in Spanish. This will entail a language/culture immersion program, as well as continued practice through travel and conversations with other Spanish-speakers. We have noticed an increase in Spanish-speakers at the common cathedral service and on the fringes of our programs and activities. We want to invite them into the center of our community. One small part of this work is to welcome them in their own language, and with an understanding of their cultures. For this purpose, I wish to engage in a Spanish-language immersion program in one of the countries from which most of the new members originate (Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador).

A secondary focus is to experience life as a pilgrim, much in the way of the common cathedral community (on El Camino de Santiago de Campostelo in Spain). I want to carry everything I have, to walk everywhere I go, and to depend on the hospitality of strangers and of God’s Creation.

The nature of the direct pastoral work with homeless persons, who are in a constant state of crisis, as well as supervising ministers and interns engaged in this intense pastoral work, and striving to fund this ministry and coordinate activities of the Board and volunteers is more than a full-time job and is taxing on me emotionally, mentally, physically and spiritually. While I have good attention to self-care, it is nearly impossible to ever be completely “off”. Our founder headed the ministry for 8 years, and my predecessor for less then 5 years. I want to be able to continue leading this ministry to accomplish great things for many years to come, and for this I need an extended period of rest and reflection to be restored and refreshed for this journey together.