It is often only by moving out of our own situation and stepping into an unfamiliar place that we can see our own environment with clarity. Examining the history, colonization and the uses of power in a new place can lead to reflection on our own country. We work collaboratively to build itineraries and design spiritual journeys, shaped by the interests of the travelers.

I am drawn to coastlines, islands and ferry boats. Sometimes we travel to the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. This has included Neolithic sites in Orkney and Shetland, and on another occasion, a week-long program at Iona Abbey.

Sometimes people want to visit the places from which their ancestors migrated. On one occasion, with only the names of farmstead and community, transcribed from old minute books, I helped a friend discover the places in Mid-Wales of family members who had moved to William Penn’s Welsh Tract in Pennsylvania

Journeying together in this way develops a daily rhythm. It creates a bond between members of the traveling group, and often lasting friendships between travelers and some of those we visit. I take small groups to the annual sessions of Ireland and Britain Yearly Meetings. We then go traveling, absorbing landscape, history, religious traditions and cultures, connecting with my (mostly Quaker) friends along the way. The intention is to venture out, connect with God in creation, and learn experientially.