Sabbatical

I like the idea of calling my absence a sabbatical. I also agree that 6 weeks probably isn't long enough and 8 is probably what is required. But I said 6 weeks because I figured that was the most that I could ever have any hope of getting away with. I have to think about that. I also have to think about what I want this time to be about and what I want to do etc., so that it is as productive as possible - since you know, I probably won't be able to take a leave like this again.

This is still very much in the thinking stages. Not even planning, just thinking.

I talked to a colleague about it today - someone I trust and work closely with (one of the two people who would bear the brunt of my absence). There is a chance that she will tell the partner before I have a plan and go to talk to him, but I think that's okay. That may be better actually. I was expecting her to have at least some worry about me being gone - but basically she said yeah, it would be difficult, but we would manage and absolutely they (the partner we work with and the head of our group) would be supportive of me doing whatever I needed to do.

So, it sounds like it's a possibility and worth me giving some actual thought to. I'm just going to think about it for a little while. And pray about it - which I know sounds weird to non-program readers - but I'm turning the outcome of this over to my higher power - step 3. It will work out how it is supposed to. I'll get to take the leave if and when it is right. I have to let go of it and just let it happen.

My faith is really strong at the moment. I'm not sure why - it's something that ebbs and flows I think. It's always there, always present, but sometimes I spend more time cultivating it. Sometimes it is really powerful and I feel it really deeply. And that's what it's been like lately. I feel comfort in it. I'd go into more detail about it, but I probably already sound weird.

Anyway, I'm turning the outcome over because I have faith that it will work out.