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, May 1, 2009

Day 10 Texas Size Care Visit to Lackland AFB and BAMC Fisher Houses


Lackland Air Force Base Fisher House
Wilford Hall Medical Center is the Air Force's largest medical facility serving all branches of the military, with the majority of patients being "Army". There are 3 Fisher Houses at this facility. The first built in 1994. We experienced their motto "with hands to hold you when you need them the most" when we met the house manager Paula Lewis and the Executive Director Dwayne Hopkins. Executive Director? As we are learning, each Fisher House is unique and this is the only one that is a separate not for profit organization- distinct from the Air Force and Fisher Foundation. And pick the right Executive Director they did. Dwayne is a 29 year retired Air Force Command Chief. This house has a separate Board of Directors which enables them to be flexible, fluid and masters at fundraising. How this South Carolinian native has time to lead the Fisher House, Inc., write their impressive newsletter, work closely with the community and board, keep his hand on the 3 houses and work on his MBA is beyond us. As we have heard again and again, he gives all the credit to the house manager, staff and volunteers. Dwayne's enthusiasm, intelligence and leadership skills are a testament to a Board of Directors picking the right leader for this organization.

We also had the pleasure of meeting Paula Lewis the House Manager, another jewel. Paula started out volunteering when the house first opened in 1994 and became staff/house manger 6 years ago. Indeed "her kind eyes have seen a lot of joy and sorrow over the years, never tiring of helping those in need". This self-professed collector of hugs shared her admiration of Zachary Fisher, particularly his humbleness and kindness. A former nurse and Air Force wife, her persona permeates the 3 houses. Her assistant Ramona Lewis (no relation by blood, only by love) appears to be the glue for this 5 person staff. We didn't get the chance to meet the Volunteer Coordinator, Julie Verschoyle who is also one busy lady, having hosted the Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon the day before. This house has 2,040 volunteers logging in 4,489 hours this past year! This outstanding Volunteer group draws from both the civilian and military community. This Fisher House Staff is definitely a well oiled machine.

Next On To Our Pet Brook Army Medical Center /BAMC & The Center for The Intrepid
This is really home for us having been here several times and is the impetus for our love for Fisher Houses. Our pal Inge Godfrey had left for the annual Fisher House Manager meeting in San Francisco but we were in good hands with her assistant Russ.

BAMC services soldiers who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan showing the particular dangers of modern warfare, which is no longer fought on open battlefields. These casualties result from shoulder-launched surface to air missiles, rocket propelled grenades (RPG's), anti-tank weapons, automatic weapons, mortars, improvised explosive devices (IED's) and mines. The resulting wounds require the amputation of arms, legs or both. Penetrating blunt and burn injuries abound at this Medical Center ending up at the Intrepid Rehab Center. There are 4 Fisher houses on this property- 2 which service the Intrepid exclusively. This world class state of the art rehab center works with those catastrophically disabled. Cry? Like a baby, every time I walk into the Intrepid. As many of you know I have named my new "company" Intrepid. It is completely named in honor of these heroes and staff. I am reminded of their relentless pursuit to get well in the face of horrific disabilities and odds. Please take a peek at the Intrepid web site for the details and success stories and of course how you can be a part of this outstanding center. The Fisher House foundation looks to the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund as their "sister foundation".

And the next time any of you are in San Antonio please give Inge a call for a tour of the Intrepid and all of the BAMC Facility. I promise you it will be transformational!
Posted by Sharing our Journey of Faith at 9:13 PM