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.

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Day 78 THE ALASKAN LIFESTYLE AS A HEALING FOR YOUTH-St. Innocent Academy for Boys

SAINT INNOCENT'S ACADEMY

Now that Keith is an expert at bell hanging he likes to check out the work of other bell hangers. We started the day with breakfast at Monk's Rock. This is a Saint Innocent's outreach- coffee and book store. As you can see Pleep enjoyed the young folks and the Icons. Mr. Monkeylatte. Then we headed over to the Academy to meet Father Paisius. He and his wife founded St. Innocent's in 1998 as a school for troubled youth-at-risk. They receive young men (and a few gals) from all over the U.S.-from jails to so called good homes.

Their academy is housed in a former metal fabrication shop (who knew something transformational could happen in one!) where 35 students live together. We had the most intriguing and informative 4 hr visit with Father Paisus as he shared the history of his Academy and life. Many hungry mouths to feed here. Years of helping boys/young men (ages 15-30) who were sunk in despair-disconnected, maturity deprived, very angry and rage filled individuals. Father cleans them up, calms them down, re-teaches them how to dress and speak properly, having respect for their neighbors, their brothers, their own family members and most importantly for themselves. Praying in the morning, at noon, in the evening and before bed. Lots of confession going on as well.

This unusual and strong Orthodox boarding school has created some miracles. Father heals these young men with the discipline which most parents and teachers have lost sight of. He teaches them that everything they do affects their soul. They learn respect, self-control, self-sacrifice and love of labor, preparing them to be loving husbands while also preparing their souls for the Kingdom of Heaven!

Music, dancing and performing as a team is also part of his winning formula. Many hidden talents come to the surface. Loads of performances and even some CD's!The young men also work around the town as a team-helping the elderly (moving stuff, painting) and handyman work they are paid for. While they may not be in the Teamsters they are in demand for their commitment to doing a good job for a fair wage. As Father says "teaching them the love of labor" as opposed to the ipod/computer generation comatose on the couch. In addition to the arts, academic curriculum, work teams there is a lot of out door activity as well. They take full advantage of Alaska's ocean and wilderness-catching their own fish for sure-teaching "remote" possibilities!

As a matter of fact about once a year they make a bus trip (yep in 2 old school buses) to the lower 48 performing-singing, dancing etc. Here is a picture of Father P and the start of a schedule for their next tour-August and Sept. The boys work hard to earn the money so all in the Academy can go. Some years they drive their buses coast to coast-no AC! And sleep in the buses too! These are some rugged kids who by God's grace came to St. Innocent's Academy and Father Paisius. The funding for the Academy comes through the work of the students, some parental money and donations. I suggested to Father he needs to "franchise" the Academy. Ah, Pam, Alaska is a unique state, Kodiak is a special place-the necessary ingredients for what I do. I can't wait to go back to hear more of Father's stories, insight and sharing his love of God. This man is on a MISSION building Fishers of Men. Father Paisius, may you continue your success in SAVING these young men and getting them back on a healthy and righteous path. Keith and I salute you. GOD BLESS!


Video of the St. Innocent's Academy dancers shot at the Exhibitor's Reception at the March 2009 Alaska Library Association conference in Kodiak, AK. This is a (I think) Alutiiq celebratory dance celebration:










Posted by Sharing our Journey of Faith at 12:28 PM