Suzanne and Brayton will take all of the superabundant graces of the last 25 years and celebrate them by taking a Sabbatical. Agape will lie dormant, basking in the graces of God from January 1st 2008 until September 1, 2008.
Please pray for us during this year of rest and discernment. Perhaps this prayer will be our only communication over the next ten months. For us, the power of this contemplative time without the demands and joys of ongoing hospitality and regular Agape programs, will afford us the lavish opportunity to keep you all deep in our hearts and prayers.
As the God of Love wills – we will see you all again September 1st – replenished, re-committed and ready to serve for another 25 years!
“Your community needs you, but maybe not as a constant presence. …Your community also needs your creative absence. …You might need certain things that the community cannot provide. For these you may have to go elsewhere from time to time. This does not mean that you are selfish, abnormal, or unfit for community life. It means that your way of being present to your people necessitates personal nurturing of a special kind. Do not be afraid to ask for these things. Doing so allows you to be faithful to your vocation and to feel safe. It is a service to those for whom you want to be a source of hope and life-giving presence.”
Henri J. M. Nouwen; The Inner Voice of Love
