Wonder Voyage 2008 Summer Blog

The pilgrims from Holy Comforter and Good Shepherd spent their last day in Oregon transiting back into the civilized world. They have journeyed throughout Oregon experiencing the greatness of God in the wonderful state but it is time for their journey here to end and their new journey at home to begin.

We spent our morning at a sacred location hidden in Portland known as the Grotto. This site is the home to a Servite Monastery and the 64 acres they maintain on the location, including gardens, chapels, and nature walks. The pilgrims took some time to end their journey here by reflecting on the sufferings of Christ through the Stations of the Cross, and the same as Jesus’ crucifixion was not an end but a beginning to a new life so is the ending of this pilgrimage a start to a new life with God for the pilgrims.

Similarly, Lewis and Clark, when they returned from their journey across the North American continent to Oregon also came home to very different lives. Clark started a family and settled down while Lewis grew in popularity and eventually his life ended in a tragic death. Meriwether Lewis did not have anything greater than himself to live for and despite achieving his greatest goal of traversing the continent by land he had nothing else to accomplish when he returned home, but as the pilgrims from Holy Comforter and Good Shepherd make their way back across North America they need not fear losing their experiences in Oregon or that their adventure will ever come to an end as they continue to walk with Christ as allow him to direct their lives.

Gathered around the retreat center, the team learned that they would be setting out for a white water rafting adventure on the North Santiam River. Once the excitement wore off they were challenged to make mental notes of how the river looked and felt from the shore versus the experience in the water.  The rafting experience was priceless. What seemed overwhelming from the shore became an incredible experience. Water that seemed too cold to bear became the ideal place to swim. 

Paddling all day worked up a fierce appetite that only an all-you-can eat buffet could tame. I’m sure the cooks were glad to see us leave.

Our evening reflection time centered around the idea that the journey of faith is much like the raging river. We each get to choose: Are we the critic on the shores of faith or are we opened minded pilgrims diving into the adventure?

Today was all about risk-taking. We were challenged to take risks in many ways with the overall theme of serving others. We started by serving a homeless shelter called St. Joseph’s. All the pilgrims pitched in to clear an area on their property overgrown with weeds and brambles.

Next we headed to the YWAM ropes course where our challenge was to serve each other. A low-ropes course allowed us to use teamwork and cooperation to complete an extremely difficult set of tasks. Then we moved on to high-ropes activities. Everyone really pushed themselves to face their fears with the encouragement of their friends and fellow pilgrims. In the end we were all reminded that “teamwork makes the dream work!”

We awoke early, had breakfast and headed out for the rocky, Oregon coast. We arrived at Devil’s Punch Bowl just in time for exploration in the tide pools. We climbed and waded through the pools discovering fish, starfish, crabs, and sea urchines when we suddenly the team came upon a truly rare and amazing find – seals. They sunned on the rocks and rolled over to look our direction as if they were posing for the cameras.
 
Now eating the local fare is great, but eating it on the beach with the waves crashing in is priceless. But watch out for squirrels, they like cod sandwhiches too.
 
As we visited an ancient lighthouse, it was only appropriate that we reflect on the significane of light and the many different ways God guides us. We often take light for granted. If you’ve ever lost power early in the night you can understand how the most familiar places can become “creepy” in the dark. Our journey in life is no different. Without God’s guideance fear can take over. But if we know to keep our eye’s out for the lighthouse there is always hope. The question is, what is the spiritual lighthouse in your life?

After exploring Psalm 46 the group traveled to St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church where Father Brandon lead us in worship. St. Timothy’s is modern in architecture, but they strive to follow the early Christians in worship. We then gathered on the lawn while Father Brandon shared ideas about pilgrimage. Our pilgrams came away with the concept that “to carry the cross we must put down things that we are holding.”
 
After lunch we traveled to Silver Falls State Park. With miles of trails and ten waterfalls, we allowed God to surround us with his wonderful creation. We concluded our day with a cookout and campfire while we reviewed our day.