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, July 8, 2009

Day 79 MORE SEMINARY FUN AND THE END OF THE ROAD AT KODIAK

St. Hermans Seminary

Lovin it. Met Subdeacon Irenaios today. We got to know each other folding "The Seminary Star"-newsletter. SubD is from Wisconsin and Chicago-he married a wonderful Polish gal from the North Side and both ended up converting to Orthodoxy. Dionysia, his wife, is a middle school teacher here in Kodiak. SubD teaches the Old Testament, Homely and Christian Education. They gave us a good overview as to what it's like for them to live on Kodiak Island. SubD hasn't been off the island since he arrived 5 years ago, while his wife goes back to Chicago every summer with their sons to see the family. What they love about living on this island is the sense of community in the community-we're all in this together. Dionysia said the parental involvement at her middle school is the best she has ever seen. Excellent!
That's Father John and the "roofer"-every where we go a roof needs fixin. Sasha, the roofer, lives on Spruce Island (wife 3 kids and no electric!). No Pampers out there. She cooks on a wood burning stove. And the "basement" is the refrig. Sasha is always walking around with a smile on his face...go figure. He's the only one who makes a bigger mess out of the laundry than me....at least I unwad Buba's socks when I put them in the wash. Hello, I learned that back in May. Wake up Sash.

I also learned how to make Prosforo-holy bread. Well, not exactly learned, more liked watched how to make.... Father Juvenaly was an excellent example of our very own Monastic Marth Stewart. Prosforo means offering of your faith to God-the bread is broken in the Chalice for communion. This alter bread not only represents Jesus Who is The Bread of Life-"of which if any may eat he shall never hunger" (I know you're thinking what happened to me?) but also expresses our offer to God. Prosforo is a Greek word-opa! Father Juvenaly used a special seal that he stamped on the loaf before he baked it ICXC, NIKA- Jesus Christ Conquers. It is tradition to have an icon and a lighted candle in the area when Prosforo is being prepared- I did my best to act as Saintly as I could. Poor Father. Father is also a convert to Orthodoxy and has been a monk priest for 30 years. He aptly pointed out I was also a "convert" until I was baptised! Touche Father.

We are getting to know the Seminary Community and learning lots about Seminary life. Seraphina is a wonderful "hostess" and makes us feel right at home. Not only does she have a beautiful voice but a beautiful heart. Seraphina is the Jack of all Trades around here. What a God Send to the Seminary. She is also a convert to Orthodoxy. In the old days the only time a person converted to Orthodoxy is when they married an Orthodox-you know a shot gun conversion. Not today. We have met many "protestant" converts. As a matter of fact the head (Metropolitan) of the OCA (Orthodox Church in America) is a convert (former Episcopalian). When did this all happen? Why? Why does one "convert"? Are you a convert? Do you want to convert to something? Buba is a convert-shall we call him ORTHODIXIE?

Trip To The End of the Road

We took Rexanof Drive to the Northern End to visit Fort Abercrombie-lots of bunkers from WWII here. Of course Buba can't resist a pothole, so he was in heaven on this road-to pave or not to pave-the Alaskan question. Black beach (all that volcanic rock) and lots of birds. Then over to Chiniak Highway (ha-sorta paved) and Pasagshak Road (more descriptive).....
TRIP TO THE OTHER END OF THE ROAD

Kodiak Island has less than 100 miles of road- I am sure we drove every one of them. Our six hour round trip to the Eastern "End" was Gorgeous, dahling. And this is only a small section of the total Kodiak Archipelago. The coastline and mountains are exquisite and pristine. Chiniak is about 45 miles from Kodiak City....partially paved roads and a few hairpin turns. Buba has never met a pot hole he didn't like. More bumpity bump. We have been very lucky with fab weather...in the 70's and sunny. The locals are complaining about being "too hot". Not a Kodiak bear in site but we did see some molting buffalo's. Ewww.

During the trip we passed (on the other side of the road)about 20 cars all day. Lots of turnouts to enjoy the beautiful scenery. On over to Pasagshak where they have Surfer Beach. You gotta be kidding in this cold water? Yup-more black sand. Of course no visitor services out this way. Buba promised a romantic beach "dinner"- of course that would be sandwiches out of the back of the car but this time with some of that BEARY wine we bought-mmm can't wait....then I heard him grumbling and taking things apart in the back of the truck, frantically rooting around....waiting, waiting the patient soul that I am- then he sheepishly walks up to my door and says the worst possible "I forgot the wine opener". You can only imagine the frosty windows in the car on the way back. He suggested we drive back to that World Peace Hostel we saw for some mediation.....
Posted by Sharing our Journey of Faith at 5:23 PM