This is an immersion course taking place July 14 to 27 (14 days/13 nights) in central Transylvania. This course is a collaboration between SKSM and the Unitarian Universalist Partner Church Council. It begins and ends in the city of Cluj (Kolozsvár) and includes 8 days of walking through the beautiful rolling hills and pastoral river valleys among Unitarian villages. During the walk, pilgrims will engage in short didactic sessions on religious history, political and cultural issues facing Unitarians in the region, Transylvanian community life, as well as spiritual practices. In the final days of the trip, students take a bus to Deva (Déva) and climb to a mountain-top fortress to hold a vespers service, where Francis David, the first Bishop of the Unitarian Church was martyred. A trip fee ($1095) includes local transportation, local guides, accommodations, meals, and cultural programs. Additional expenses include air travel and US ground transportation. Some scholarships are available to UU students pursuing ministerial fellowship. Evaluation is based on participation, leadership of spiritual practices or vespers, and a final reflection paper. Pre-trip meetings and information sessions will build community and prepare students for the immersion experience. Not for the casual walker; daily distances will range from 6-17 miles and use trails and roads of varying surfaces. Students must also register with the UU Partner Church Council (visit uupcc.org). US/Canadian citizens need passports but do not need a visa to visit Romania.
Students must interview with the faculty prior.
Relates to SKSM Threshold 4 and MFC Competency 6.
Student must apply by http://uupcc.org/trip/july-2018-mindful-walk-Transylvania.
