My life-long dream has been to visit the national parks. Thanks to the gift of a sabbatical, this dream is coming true as I travel across the country in a camper van, open to the gift of nature as I travel.
I am a member of a Catholic community of Religious Sisters known as the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHM) which is based in Monroe, Michigan. After completing 12 years serving as president of the congregation, I was gifted with a sabbatical. I knew that I wanted to use this opportunity to respond to the call of nature. There are many national parks I never visited. The community was able to purchase a Class B+ camper van thanks to the generosity of a donor. It would be perfect for just such a trip.
Camping was not part of my childhood – in fact, my dad did not even like picnics on our family outings! But I do remember the call of nature and a particular trip when we rented a cabin up north. I remember sitting by the water and taking in the sounds of nature. Later, a friend of mine introduced me to camping one Columbus Day weekend we spent near Mackinac Island. We started going every year. I fell in love with camping!
After I entered the IHM Congregation, another sister and I camped in the Smokey Mountains and then in various places in Michigan and in Canada. When I moved to Albany, New York to become the Superintendent of Catholic schools – a position I would serve in for 15 years – I was introduced to a great campground, which I visited on occasion. On one particular camping trip with friends, one of them remarked that I was a different person in the campground.
Throughout my years of service – in the IHM congregation, as a superintendent, and also as a math teacher and principal – and throughout my life, I have always listened to the call of nature through not only camping but also hiking, biking and even an occasional round of golf!
As I enter a new chapter of my life, I am wondering what might unfold for me. My soul is drawn to the exploration of the national parks and all that might unfold on this trip. Anyone who knows me knows of my propensity to plan. So, yes, the trip is planned! My hope is that within this planning I can find the space to wander … to be open to the gifts that will unfold.