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.

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Day 40 Palo Alto, Down the Road from San Francisco

THE VANDERBEEKS-WAY BETTER THAN THE 4 SEASONS!

We met Jo and Bill Vanderbeek on a business trip to Japan back in 1986. They own a metal fab company in the "silicon valley" so over the years we have commiserated about the ups, downs, ins and outs of the biz. We have been a guest of theirs in Lake Tahoe and Santa Cruz as well...more 4 Seasoning. We stayed in what is affectionately called the "West Wing" -Keith had a work out room and I set up an office with a view and made myself right at home. Villa De Vanderbeek-how will we be able to go back to Motel 6? Alexandra and I last visited 2 years ago when Jo threw Billy Boy a fabulousity 60th birthday- a psychedelic, peace, love, war, what's happening now bash no make that BASH with Bill's favorite singer- Chuck Berry. The place (at the house no less) was set up as a Woodstock and Haight Ashbury venue. That girl knows how to throw a party. Never mind she had the Pointer Sisters for her 25th Anniversary. I think in another life time she was a party planner for the Egyptians. It's always a treat to visit the V's as Jo spoils you rotten. I remember one time visiting with the kids and they couldn't get over the ice cream parlor in the "basement". I was then declared an unfit mother by both Nicholas and Alex. Yes Jo also whipped up a delicious dinner and homemade desert-that gal is ruining the curve again. And we think Sarah (our favorite Basset Hound) is the best. Hey Bill, crank up that donut machine for Buba. He has been dreaming about it for the past 500 miles.

Palo Alto is a beautiful spot south of San Francisco and home to Stanford University. My dear friend Mary remarked we needed to include some shopping and spa-ing news in the blog...Mar, I don't even have time to shave my legs let alone shop AND STILL EVERY TIME BUBA DRIVES BY A BASS PRO SHOP KEEPS REMINDING ME I NEED TO SWING IN THERE AND PONY UP FOR THE MISSION. Ok so I am the only girl in the National Park in a hot pink blouse...yes I figured Keith could find me easily as the drab green and brown's is so not happening.

The Nativity of the Holy Virgin Church/OCA/ MENLO PARK

We attended liturgy at this beautiful petite church. The church was originally an Episcopalian church and they gifted the church to the Orthodox in the area. In 1952 they moved the church to it's current location and refurbished it to the traditional Russian style- no pews! Yes, it makes for a "stand up" service for 2 plus hours. The Nativity of the Holy Virgin serves primarily Russian emigries, most recently from the former Soviet Union. Father Hermogen Holste's sermon about "What is Salvation?" was very meaningful. I loved that they had a huge water container and the parishioners are able to get the holy water whenever needed at their discretion. Cool! I grabbed a gallon jug from the back of the Bubamobile and loaded up. I figured I could keep dousing ourselves a little each day in prep for the Mission in Alaska right?

Feel free to visit their web site: http://www.tserkov.org/

And the Orthodox Church of America Web site as well: http://www.oca.org/

Lots of good background info about Orthodoxy at this site.
Posted by Sharing our Journey of Faith at 11:20 PM