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 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.
Fish Fly at Flora-Bama? Murph was so excited we were visiting the weekend of the Annual Mullet Toss. Sticky, slimy, sweaty....folks tossing fish with a gizzard. He had our Flora Bama sky boxes (beach chairs with an umbrella) all lined up. Come on Pam and Keith, where else can you go to pay somebody so you can throw a dead fish that's been sitting in the sun all day?" Merle Haggard had the theme song covered..."I Think I'll Just Stay Here and Drink". We managed to beg off and promised we would contribute to the local economy in another way.
We did have fun with the Murphy's (Annie's family, THE Heidkamps, have been f
amily friends from Chicago for over 30 years). We were given "Pleeps" the traveling monkey (for those of you who were Three Sheet aficionados). Annie swears that Pleep is very effective and useful when one is driving....when someone cuts you off or some such maddening driving you just wave Pleep's tail at them. Much better than cussing or using a particular finger...and we are starting to learn the various GPSes.....still don't quite get why that l
ady in the dashboard takes us through crusty neighborhoods and then drops us off 1 mile away from the real destination?
On the other hand we did recoop Murhp's love by convincing Annie to get him a Lazy Boy for Father's Day. Whewwwww. Thank you Annie and Murph. It's always a ball visiting you and Keith particularly thanks you for the Turtle Ice Creme Pie. Never mind the 1000 calories per slice.
St. Andr
ew the Apostle Antiochian Orthodox ChurchWe also had the joy of attending Father Bleam's Liturgy Sunday morning. What a lovely church- about 2 years old, housed in a former protestant church, composed of many members of former faith traditions (converts). We learned that Father, a former carpenter, along with a few church members, actually
made the Iconostasis! Way to go Father! Services are conducted in English appealing to many "non-ethnic" folks. The Antiochian Orthodox Church traces its origins to the church in Antioch, the capital of ancient Syria that was established by the apostles Peter and Paul. Though the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America was founded in the late 19th century to serve immigrants from Syria and Lebanon, today it embraces Americans of all races and cultures. Father David Bleam gave a beautiful sermon on the Apostle Thomas- and his "twin", doubting Thomas. Father spoke about having faith without "seeing" or proof. The A Capella choir was awesome. Their many hours of practice was evident. We joined everyone at the coffee after the service and were welcomed with open arms to share our journey and the mission of OCMC. Keith enjoyed visiting with Sam Waite, the President of the Parish Council and I enjoyed bending "Khourie" (Priest's wife) Nora's ear about being part of a mission team. We invited them to the dedication ceremony of OCMC's new Missionary Training and Admin. Building on May 21...just down the road in St. Augustine (Keith did try to point out down the road meant about a 6 hour car trip). The coffee time felt so good- to connect with the church members....and it reminded me that our Parish priest has said that part of our stewardship of being a good church member and Christian is FELLOWSHIP....not just hit and run (attend liturgy then run out the door rather than gather with fellow church members to get to know them and sharing our love of GOD). Keith and I are guilty of this ...seemed like we always had something to do or somewhere to go after church and we were in a hurry. What I learned at St. Andrew is all the Fellowship that I have missed by not having "coffee" with my own church members. Thank you Father David, Khourie Nora and Sam for the lesson. Again, many thanks for such a wonderful welcome. CHRIST IS RISEN!
amily friends from Chicago for over 30 years). We were given "Pleeps" the traveling monkey (for those of you who were Three Sheet aficionados). Annie swears that Pleep is very effective and useful when one is driving....when someone cuts you off or some such maddening driving you just wave Pleep's tail at them. Much better than cussing or using a particular finger...and we are starting to learn the various GPSes.....still don't quite get why that l
ew the Apostle Antiochian Orthodox Church
