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, July 10, 2009

Day 81 SPRUCE ISLAND:PILGRIMAGE TO MONK'S ROCK AND LAGOON


I can see why people from all over the world come here every August for the Pilgrimage to honor St. Herman. It truly is a holy place. The contrast of the mountain and sea is striking. We boated and skiffed over with the clergy for our Liturgical celebration of St's. Sergious and Herman. It is 11 miles from Kodiak city and 1 1/2 miles off the coast of Kodiak Island home to St. Michael's and St. Nilus Skete's-monks and nuns. As Buba solemnly said "this is a very spiritual place". As the fog pulled us to the shore you could feel it.


Spruce trees, moss, berry bushes cover the island. Mt. St. Herman rises above with it's brilliant Orthodox Cross 24 ft tall made of steel. The cross was installed a couple of years ago- the Coast Guard helicopter lifted it and placed it on the mountain while the St. Innocent young men dug the hole and helped "plant" the huge cross. This island was St. Herman's home for many years-until he died. The life of a saint is in essence a living continuation of the Gospel. We believe after their death, Saints continue to work in the lives of people. A Saint is an icon- a window to heaven allowing us access to paradise. A beautiful service was held in Saints Sergius and Herman's Chapel. The St. Innocent Choir sang, 5 priests served and I was so moved I cried during the 2 hour service. There we were in the very spot St. Herman lived as a monk taking care of orphans and the native people. He was buried under this chapel (although his relics have been moved to Holy Resurrection in Kodiak City). Remember I have carried on and on about St. Herman-the first Saint canonized in America (1970) and the "Father" of Alaska Orthodoxy for sure! The St. Innocent Academy made a beautiful lunch (fresh Halibut caught this morning fresh!) and we enjoyed their fellowship and magnificent voices. It really is amazing to watch them as a group-they look to do any task or chore, they are always helping someone, no complaing, moaning or groaning. I have NEVER seen Team Work like this anywhere. Father Paisus has done an amazing job with these young people. They helped make the pilgrimage even more special.

What is Monastic life today?

Here at Spruce Island the Monk's and Sisters desire to live close to St. Herman's hermitage. The austere but beautiful conditions of this remote place are not only challenging but inspiring for them...and all of us. We had to wear rubber boots as there is no dock and you "hop" out of the skiff into the water and walk to the shore. The two small skete's perform daily prayers. The monks and nuns try to follow St. Herman's example of living off the land. St. Micheal's was founded in 1983. The monk's occupy their day by praying and working the land. The nuns at St. Nilus also live the simple Monastic life. They dedicate themselves to church services , praying and study. They both receive pilgrims and have a place for YOU to stay. Next time for sure we will stay with them out here. Yes, Pam has that black wardrobe down pat a perfect fashion match. It was a glorious and special spiritual day for our Pilgrimage to Spruce Island. Amen!

This was the PERFECT end to the PERFECT week. Thank all of you at St. Herman's Seminary for hosting us. With profound appreciation and love. Include us in your prayers-we can't wait for our next PILGRIMAGE TO KODIAK ISLAND. GOD BLESS!


And may I add Pleepeus is all Monk-eyed out from our great day. Plus, he loves the travel and he is harassing me to get him a skiff. And back to the Ferry for the ride back to Homer....I have been praying for smooth sailing this time! At least, no linoleum floor and deluxe accommodations. 2 bunks for me, 1 bunk for Keith, 1 bunk for Pleep & Maggie.

Now that Bocahontas has stopped hurling on ferries, I was brave enough to finally look at the picture from the bar on the first ferry ride to Kodiak.

To top it all off, I feel so good I can enjoy cocktail hour with appetizers. MMM..great hummus. Who cares that the expiry date was 4 July. It is so nice to be inputting rather than outputting.
Posted by Sharing our Journey of Faith at 9:05 PM