Wonder Voyage 2009 Summer Blog

I have always struggled to describe a pilgrimage to my friends and family. God works in my life on pilgrimage in such a profound way that words simply do not do it justice.
 
By now our pilgrims from Holy Comforter are returning to their comfortable surroundings, and I expect some are experiencing the same challenges – describing what happened amongst the beautiful scenery of the Tetons. In some cases transition happens. In other cases we come away knowing that God is present with us. The best commentary on pilgrimage I have found comes from T.S. Elliot…
 
“The precise directions to somewhere often awkward to find; and you’re not sure quite why you came or what it was you’re looking for. If you find it, or it finds you, words cannot easily convey what has happened but it becomes part of the journey that continues.”
 
That doesn’t get me any closer to giving you a solid definition of pilgrimage, but I suspect most that have experienced true pilgrimage can relate to it. And maybe it will spur on those that have not to do so.

Thus Ends the Tetons Joural…

At last the day our team had been so anxiously waiting for – free time for shopping and white water rafting.

Evidently our group enjoyed the burgers from earlier in the week so much many of them had to return. Upon further inspection I also saw some behind the counter flipping burgers! That’s what I call engulfing yourself in the local culture.

Once we had our fill of shopping we headed for the Snake River. The anticipation built as we stared at the water until at last we experienced one of natures great thrill rides.

After an incredible celebration dinner, we huddled around a candle and were touched as each pilgrim shared their moment of wonder and encouraged another team member during our pass the candle ceremony.

We rose with the sun this morning, and headed into Jackson to serve at St. John’s Church. After several hours of weeding, cleaning, and sweeping the local staff described the church’s 101 year history for us – quiet a ministry and quiet a legacy.

Next it was off to lunch at an incredible little diner on the main square. Burgers and fries were a welcomed treat, and the cozy atmosphere made it something to remember.

We got off the beaten path on our way back to camp, and we were rewarded with a herd of buffalo grazing in the fields.

Dinner was on the students tonight, and they did a terrific job. After dinner we shared the Eucharist and talked about the chapters and transitions of our lives.

Wouldn’t you love to hear God audibly speak to you? Wouldn’t it make faith so much easier if Christ appeared before us as he did for Thomas? Or would we still doubt?

Waiting for God to reveal himself or his will to us requires patience most of us struggle greatly with. This was evident and obvious as our team stood waiting for Old Faithful to burst steaming water 100+ feet into the sky. As consistent as this natural phenomenon is, we were still frustrated when it arrived 10 minutes late.

But once it arrived we were astonished by it. Why did we ever doubt the faithfulness of the world’s most famous geyser?

And how much more faithful is the One that created the geyser in the first place? Perhaps we could all spend a little more time waiting and listening for God.

If you didn’t know you were in Wyoming yet, today made it crystal clear. We started our adventures taking care of “exotic plants” (aka weeds) for the National Park Services. Several species of weeds are threatening the native plants and our team was able to help slow this down. While the team worked in an open meadow they were able to watch a heard of elk wander through the area.

After lunch our team headed for the famous Inspiration Point. The hike was far from easy, but with high spirits and great teamwork we were able to enjoy one of Wyoming’s historic viewpoints. While we were there we contemplated what question we would ask God if given the chance.

Every now and then I read or hear of something that motivates me to push on. A story of someone overcoming adversity or beating the odds always stirs my soul. Today I got the privilege of experiencing such a story first hand.

One of the members of our team has recently had ankle surgery and has been forced to use crutches to get around. We set out for a 4 mile hike to Taggart Lake feeling a little sorry that our friend would miss out. 60 minutes later as we sat enjoying an incredible view at the lake we were shocked to see her cruising in on her crutches! Not only did she make it to the lake, but she completed the full hike – much of which was uphill.

Every person that passed her on the trail was in awe of her determination and will to complete what she had started. Oh God may I find the strength and courage to press on when the challenges of life surround me. May I finish the race with the same vigor I saw today in my fellow pilgrim.

Our team from Holy Comforter arrived safely and set out for exploration in the historic settler’s town of Jackson, Wyoming.

After sampling the famous local pizza shop the team wandered about town getting acquainted with the community while.

They then set off for their home away from home for the next week – tent cabins on Jackson Lake in the shadows of the snow-capped Teton peaks.

We shared dinner around the fire and then bundled up tight for a cool night in our sleeping bags.