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.
Beaumont Army Hospital VA Fisher House/Ft Bliss-I'm Just Wild About Harry!
Ft. Bliss is located in Texas and New Mexico on 1700 square miles-adjacent to the White Sands Missile Range. A rich history back to 1849 originally established as a post to prevent trouble over the salt beds and use of the Rio Grande water for irrigation guarding against Indian and Mexican raids. Today the mission is vastly different and these soldiers are charged with providing anti-aircraft and missile defense capabilities for all of us. Lots of fire exercises going on here...a Heavy Armour Training Post.
This Fisher House is 1 of 10 Army Fisher Houses (
http://www.armyfisherhouses.org/).
Although Harry Hicks/House Manger was also at the annual meeting his lovely assistant Rosanna Cooper took splendid care of us. She sang Sargent Major Hicks/ Retired praises...he opened the house in 1994 and been there ever since. This house is located at Ft. Bliss and serves both active and retired military families. They had one father who stayed at Fisher for 2 years to be next to his son during his rehab only sadly to have his son pass away recently. I observed one active duty soldier ask Roseann what could they donate to the house? I spoke to him (22 years in the Army) and he said he was grateful not to have to pay for a hotel while he underwent rehab and that the home was a God send in that his wife could stay with him during the rehab. He said he was treated so well that he wanted to make a donation. The soldier noticed only one room had a DVD player and suggested he buy a couple and leave a check. Yes, Roseanna said, it is common that the "guests" donate to the house after they leave. Most are very grateful for the stay and comfort at Fisher.
Roseanna has been at Fisher since 2003 while going to college for respiratory therapy. After spending 7 years in school she graduated last year and has no intention of leaving "her" house. "I love it. There is always something new to learn, new people, stories and circumstances. I am responsible for the cleaning and I like to make it look beautiful....just like it's my house." Her admiration for Harry was evident as she described who he is-he is so active...cookouts, fundraising, Black History parade, darts, chili cook-off (they won in 2008), American Legion and more. You name it, he's there. Harry's a real people person, always helping. He answers his cell phone 24/7. There is no retirement for Harry!
We did learn about an organization we hadn't heard of before TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors). This organization started in 1994 offering peer based bereavement and support to those who have lost a loved one while in the military. So what makes a military loss different? Loss of home-moving away, loss of identity-no longer a military spouse, loss of security-no longer living on base, loss of lifestyle-military culture, tremendous pride in the loved one's service-showing pride in their loved ones service to America and sadness at the ultimate sacrifice their loved ones made. They also offer Good Grief Camp for the children of the fallen. I was glad to know such a group existed that offered support to our military families. Can I get an AMEN to that! TAPS is even on TWITTER. Now this may be the first case of a benefit of this TWITTER phenomena. For more info check it out
http://www.taps.org/
