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.

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Day 18 Onward to Land of Enchantment... Santa Fe

Buba is sneezing like mad. Allergic to me after 33 years? After such a romantic anniversary evening, I decided no stone goes unturned and insisted we visit the Rattlesnake Museum in Old Town Albuquerque this morning. Not only was he sneezing but broke out in a cold sweat when I made him face the Copperhead. As many of you know, we nick named Buba Copperhead Keith after he stepped on one at his farm and it bit him (FYI -it landed him in the hospital for the weekend and ill for a year. Moral of the story: Wear yer snake boots Buba.). Quite a freaky little "museum" and now I figured we are even up. Yes, he got his kicks on Route 66.

And speaking of freaky....good old Santa Fe still as artsy as ever. Alternative lifestyles abound.....while I went shop to shop looking for "wash and wear" Buba sat in the square and enjoyed the "show" of visitors and locals, ever so colorful. I must say all of this Tex-Mex, New Mex and such has Buba eyeing signs for the men's room wherever we roam. Never mind that, traveling with Buba 24/7 you really get to notice a persons "habits"......like his affliction for drug stores. CVS, Walgreens, no matter. Buba loves to go in those stores and "shop".....any excuse to stop in one. He has set up a mini pharmacy in the car....Tums, every kind of aspirin, ibuprofen, toothpaste du jour, many varieties of deodorants, mints, mouth wash, diet cokes, nuts, raisins, band aids, bug spray, Windex, AND WHAT EVER IS ON SALE.... any excuse to shop in one. Today he went into the Walgreens to get a note pad (a what?) and came out with a bag of stuff ....everything but the note pad. So while on the Santa Fe Square I spot a five and dime with note pads...so I call Buba on the cell to let him know his problems are over. We meet awhile later and I say wow big bag for a note pad Buba. "Well, I saw this really great 7 Scent Sampler of Santa Fe Scents and I thought we could burn it in the hotel room. " I said, "where they giving them away free Buba?" "Uh no....it was only $7.99" Is this the universe getting back at me for not finishing that high colonic cleanse?

So today's question to ponder is: COULD YOU TRAVEL IN A CAR FOR 5 MONTHS WITH YOUR SIGNIFICANT OTHER?
Posted by Sharing our Journey of Faith at 10:14 AM