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.

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Day 45 June 5 Madigan Army Fisher House/Ft. Lewis, VA Fisher House/ Seattle and Friends

Madigan Army Fisher House /Ft. Lewis Army Base
Ft. Lewis is located 12 miles south of Tacoma in the Seattle area, adjacent to the McChord Air Force Base. Ft.Lewis is home to the I Corps, Madigan Army Medical Center, Army Striker Brigade, Special Ops and more. This base was named after Lewis of the famed Lewis and Clark Expedition. This densely wooded base (love those Scotch Broom trees) is located on 87,000 acres serving 25,000 soldiers and their families. The Yakima Training site is located on 324,000 acres. As a matter of fact a first....the Joint Bases of Lewis and McChord are being united-one installation joint command to be implemented by 2010. "McLewis"? This should be interesting to watch unfold as you know those military folks can be quite territorial- the Army and the Air Force in a joint command? Who's on first? It was cool to see the Special Ops home next to Fisher and the awesome Blackhawks and Chinook Helicopters doing some manuvers. What a base-we even had lunch in front of the Jumbo PX at Benjy's Bar B Q Wagon-mmm pulled pork and brisket. The long line of fatigues gave it away. Make sure the BB sauce is hot Benjy! I enjoyed all the "Mam-ing" me by the young soldiers.


The Madigan Army Medical Center has a full spectrum of specialty and subspecialty services for adult and pediatric patients to include Developmental Pediatrics, Perinatology Fellowship, Hematology / Oncology, and Radiation Therapy and a big Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. The Fisher House that serves this hospital and Army Base is one of the first Houses- opened in 1992. The House is located about a mile from the hospital on a beautiful wooded area. The house manager, Jodi Land was formerly in Army Intel for 11 years and now at Fisher for 8. No way is she leaving HER Fisher House. Never mind her husband was recently deployed to Korea. This 7 room house also manges off site placement for up to 15 families-hey Fisher Foundation looking forward to that 2nd needed house. Prior to 9/11 the house serviced medivacs from Alaska, babies and retirees. Post 9/11 combat soldiers as well as the Oregon, Washington and Idaho national guard follow up medical care....this is one busy base and house. Charming and inviting describes Jodi's Fisher. She has a part time Assistant, Nicky and 2 part time housekeepers who help her run this home. Lots of volunteering going on here as well-Kiwanis, VFW, American Legion, Rotary and even the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts to name a few.

One story that struck us....Devon Gibbons Army Jan 3, 1987-June 23 2006. An American Patriot and Hero. Devon was burned over 93% of his body, both legs amputated above the knees, right arm amputated below the elbow and a fractured lower back. Devon was treated at Brook Army Medical Center (Burn Center) in San Antonio. His parents Mel and Bonnie Gibbons stayed at the Fisher House at BAMC during his treatment and his ultimate passing. This was the Gibbons family first introduction to Fisher House. They live north of Seattle and have become BIG advocates of this particular Fisher House. Thank you Mr. and Mrs. Gibbons for all you do for Fisher House. We are so sorry for your loss. May Devon's MEMORY BE ETERNAL.

See HeritageMakers.com/211935 for Devon's Story.

So shout out to the Tacoma area for Jodi's Wish List: 19" flat screen, video games, playstation 3, Tacoma Children's Museum Membership, Northwest Trek Membership, Pacific Science Museum Membership, Gift Cards for office supply stores (Office Max etc.), Gift Cards for family Restaurants and Movie Theaters....just give Jodi a buzz for the particulars Jodi.Land@US.Army.Mil

Thank you Jodi and Staff for all that you do for OUR Military families and thanks for a great visit. We'll be sure to be back for that 2nd Fisher House Dedication!



VA Puget Sound Fisher House
Since opening on September 10, 2008, the VA Puget Sound Fisher House has been privileged to serve more than 400 families of veterans and active duty military personnel. Their 21 guest suites provide a “home away from home” for families of veterans receiving care at VA Puget Sound Health Care System. Guests are able to be near their loved ones while having a comfortable, peaceful place to find rest and support for themselves. More than a convenient and beautiful place to stay, the guests of Fisher House share common experiences, form friendships and become a unique kind of family, a Fisher House family. And unique describes this House Manager Cecile Bagrow-30 year VA employee! "CC" took on the job pre construction and stood post day after day (Friday was donut day for HER construction crew) to make sure her House was being built just "perfectly". And it was. Cecile gave us our longest tour of any house-her pride in every finish, every shelf (we spent 5 mins in her pantry closet and 5 in her beloved linen closet), every bed, table, lamp, kitchen appliances and her very special patio. We are talking about HOPE a large painted bobble head pig on the patio next to the Organic Garden. This garden is second to none evidence of Lorraine's (House Assistant) vision and Cecile's GREEEEEN Thumb. Beverly our Dallas Decorator out did herself on this house. We were in awe of the unique artwork and photography. Danny from Dallas took "local" photos-hey I saw some of those trees up at Mount Ranier. He did an extraordinary job capturing the area and making the 2nd floor an art gallery.

CC and Lorraine-these two ladies are the Laverne and Shirley of the Fisher Houses I am sure. What they are not doing I haven't thought of....they set up a scrapbooking table for the guests and boy they do (never mind Cecile has put together several 1st rate Scrapbooks of the construction and events at the House), the new Cup Cake of the Month Club (hello grass and lady bug cupcakes-Martha Stewart look out), Yoga is offered once a week as well as Massage Therapy 2x a week, shout BINGO every month, and the blue plush robe for guests (Fisher House logo embroidered), a teddy bear in every room and on and on. "No doubt, we are the most fun!" she exclaimed. The Disco Ball in CC's office gave this away...a couple weeks ago they had a SOUL TRAIN FRIDAY. We are talking everyone in the house had to walk the Soul Train Line a la Marvin Gaye. CC and Lorraine believe everyone needs to giggle and release some of that stress while attending to their loved one at the hospital across the street. Her patient populations tends to be elderly going through surgeries, cancer and since the war some young soldiers going through spinal chord treatment.

CC started in the VA in Ann Arbor Michigan in 1979 and moved to Seattle VA in 1995. "It was an honor to care for the VA patients for years and now it is an honor to care for their families". She thanked Keith for his service to his country and invited us back for another visit. You bet CC and Lorraine- set me up with a couple of BINGO CARDS and make sure it's a Soul Train Day. God Bless and thank you for all that you bring to the Fisher House Team. WOW! The only thing we missed was Shrimp Louis- CC's toy poodle. Arf Arf....I can see some pet therapy down the road. You go CC!

For a good time give CC a call and in the mean time check out their web site! http://www.fisherhousevaps.org/

And take a good look at one of CC's donors...peacetags.com Very Very Cool. Must order some!




A Fun Evening with Fine New Friends The Teppers
We met Gary and Helen on our trip to Southeast Asia last February. While they are recent transplants to the NW from the DC area they shared their love of their newly found home and being close to their ever so special grand daughters. Helen an avid tap dancer has also signed up for an acting class and a childrens book writing class. Go Grandma! With a beautiful view of Lake Washington we toasted to past and future travels. We hit if off on our trip together in Asia and had many laughs and a fair amount of souvenir shopping. We even discussed the recent demise of Keith Carradine...who "hanged" himself in the very hotel we stayed at in Bangkok. A great evening of swapping travel stories and a scrumptious meal in hip Kirkland topped the night. What's next on the travel agenda discussion made the evening just fly...thanks for a great visit and see you in????? India? Bali??? How about Florida!

Posted by Sharing our Journey of Faith at 6:57 AM