Gene’s Sabbatical Adventure, Issue 5 : March 30, 2024

Gene’s Sabbatical Adventure, Issue 5 : March 30, 2024

I just finished a 2 month sabbatical. Cru’s updated sabbatical policy provides for and encourages missionary staff to take a 2 month sabbatical after 5 years serving full-time and then every 5 years until 20 years serving full-time, when sabbatical is 3 months. Heather and I approaching 14 years. Such a blessing. Such an honor. It was hard to step away from ministry and leadership responsibilities for a season. But I am so glad that I did. During the planning process, I uncovered 4 priority issues that needed to be addressed: Margin (or lack of margin felt as always being…

Gene’s Sabbatical Adventure, Issue 4 : Feb 16, 2024

Feeling good is a blessing. And I've taken it for granted. Generally, I'd say that I'm a pretty healthy guy. Allergies get me every once in a while, but it's not usually bad, and rarely lasts very long. Until this year. It started in early January with an allergy related cough. Then at the end of January something hit me hard. Fever and the whole bit. That's gone now but the cough isn't. But even that will be gone soon and the celebrating will begin. 3 things I'm grateful for from the last week 1. Monday night Bible study 2.…
Gene’s Sabbatical Adventure, Issue 3 : Feb 7, 2024

Gene’s Sabbatical Adventure, Issue 3 : Feb 7, 2024

Puppies are cute, fun, and a bunch of work. Daisy is all that and more. I'm not sure we were ready for her, yet here she is sneaking her way into our family, one chewed on boot at a time. This sabbatical journey has taken an unexpected turn. I went in excited, energized, and with a plan. I had it all broken down. There was no way this time was going to get away from me. And then I got sick. Nothing like feeling awful for days on end to chip away at moral. It's been awhile since I've felt…