ON THE ROAD AGAIN

A friend of ours heard about our "journey of faith, fisher, forests, family, friends and fun" and suggested we set up a Blog. A what? So here we are....on the road again with Bocahontas and Buba. Blessed with the freedom of time, we were inspired by two of our favorite causes. So we organized a road trip to Alaska which should not only be fun but also an opportunity to spread the good word about The Fisher Houses , The Orthodox Christian Mission Center/Programs and some of our National Parks. We are participating in a 2 week Mission in Tyonek, Alaska with the OCMC group in June. Feel free to check out the planned trip on the calendar link. Caribou Cabins? Blue Moose? Tundra Lodge? and our soon to be "favorite" Motel 6. Any and all suggestions, prayers and good karma are welcome and very much appreciated....poor Buba, in a car with Pam for 5 months. Lions, and tigers and bears oh my! Toggle down to the calendar and see where we are over the next months. We ask for your prayers.

Grab yourself a cold one and come along for the ride. Enjoy and laugh along with us viewing the daily blogs which are archived on the left side of this page in chronological order. We started April 22- Happy Trails!

THE LONG & WINDING ROAD

THE LONG & WINDING ROAD

The Fisher House

The Fisher House program is a unique private-public partnership that supports America's military in their time of need. The Fisher House Foundation, through the kindness of donations received, provides "comfort homes" that are built on the grounds of major military and VA medical centers. These homes enable America's military families to be together during extended treatment for serious illness or lengthy physical sessions....very much like the Ronald McDonald homes for families of children in a similar situation. We were first introduced to Fisher House while visiting Brooke Army Medical Center (Burn Center) in San Antonio. We were so moved by the dedication and love of the staff and volunteers that we returned for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Currently there are 44 Fisher Houses (more in the works) and our goal is to visit all of them and spread the good word to family and friends. Please feel free to peruse their website for a detailed explanation about the Fisher House Foundation and programs. Perhaps you will be inspired by the work this group does on behalf of our Armed Forces.

Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC)

The Orthodox Christian Mission Center is the official foreign mission agency of all the Orthodox Jurisdictions (i.e. Greek, Russian, Serb etc.) The goal of the OCMC is to bring the gospel of Jesus Christ where it presently does not exist and to establish vibrant Orthodox Eucharistic Communities throughout the world. We have had the privilege and pleasure to admire the work of this organization (headquarters located in St. Augustine, Florida) for years and now that we are retired we have the blessing to participate. We are on the road to Alaska to join a Mission Team in Tyonek for a couple weeks to do some construction and teaching in an Athabascan Indian Village. "If I had a hammer"...you'll be happy to know I deep sixed the acrylic nails in anticipation of caulking and painting. :) Please take a peek at the OCMC web site for details on all of the programs they are involved with throughout the world. And do stop in to see Father Martin and his kind and loving staff when you are in St. Augustine! We will also be visiting family, friends and Orthodox Churches while on the road to share the marvelous work of the OCMC.

National Parks

Most people know that the National Park Service cares for national parks, a network of nearly 400 natural, cultural and recreational sites across the nation. The treasures in this system – the first of its kind in the world –have been set aside by the American people to preserve, protect, and share, the legacies of this land.


People from all around the world visit national parks to experience America's story, marvel at the natural wonders, and have fun. Places like the Grand Canyon, the Statue of Liberty, and Gettysburg are popular destinations, but so too are the hundreds of lesser known yet equally meaningful gems like Rosie the Riveter in California, Boston Harbor Islands in Massachusetts, and Russell Cave in Alabama.


The American system of national parks was the first of its kind in the world, and provides a living model for other nations wishing to establish and manage their own protected areas. The park service actively consults with these Nations, sharing what we've learned, and gaining knowledge from the experience of others.


Beyond national parks, the National Park Service helps communities across America preserve and enhance important local heritage and close-to-home recreational opportunities. Grants and assistance are offered to register, record and save historic places; create community parks and local recreation facilities; conserve rivers and streams, and develop trails and greenways.


We hope to see you soon in a national park and invite you to explore the ways we can help you preserve what’s important in your hometown.

Friday, April 24, 2009

Day 2 Double Hitter- 2 Fisher Houses in one day!

Thursday 04/23/2009 - Keith @ the Blog Controls

We hit the road to the Bay Pines VA near Saint Petersburg, FL. We managed to traverse the Sunshine Skyway without incident and arrived at the beautiful BPVA Fisher House where we were met by the house's Commander in Chief, Richard Kipplings. It didn't take long for us to rename Richard "Mr. Enthusiasm", for he truly loves his job. Richard gave us a great tour of the house and explained the special requirements of dealing with the mainly "senior citizen veterans" that make up the bulk of the BPVA's patient base. Richard was very complimentary of his volunteer staff as well as the outstanding support he receives from the VFW and other veteran's organizations in the area. BPVA has a special place in my heart as my father was a patient here around 1950, and I remember visiting him while he was receiving treatment for a WWII related illness. Thank you Richard for all that you do at Fisher House, especially all the love and support for all us old vets. I'll dig out that photo of my father taken during his time at BPVA and get you a copy. St. Pete folks, feel free to give Richard a call for your own tour and/or with any volunteer possibilities....727-319-1350

Shortly after leaving the BPVA I received a call from my sister Ginger who we visited the previous day and introduced her to what Fisher House is all about. Ginger informed us that she had shared the Fisher House mission info with the pastor and others at the church where she works in Anna Marie Island. The pastor had authorized a generous donation to Fisher House BPVA and the church's Men's Club was also on board for additional support. Way to go "Sis", I love you.

Then on across the bridge to Tampa' James A Haley Veteran's Hospital Fisher House where we met Paula Welenc the house manager. Paula, retired Air Force, not only charmed us, she left us in awe of her magic at this Fisher House. This VA Hospital is what is known as a poly trauma center for active duty and retired soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. The hospital specializes in traumatic brain injury and spinal chord injuries. Paula's military background combined with her profession of social work provides unique leadership at this Fisher House. We had the opportunity to meet some of her volunteers as well as view her "wish list". She taught us "flexibility is the key to being a Tampa Fisher House Volunteer". Hello Tampa, feel free to call Paula for the many opportunities for Volunteering, Fund Raising and supporting this magnificent Fisher House. 813-910-3000

A double hitter day for sure! Then on to visit my baby sister in "Live Oak" Florida near the Swanee River- the cross roads to the panhandle. It was great to see my nieces Christy and Amy, Butch, Samuel and Emma Rae. I especially got a kick out the pet chicken-by the end of the week there are enough eggs for an omelet!
Posted by Sharing our Journey of Faith at 6:57 PM