Wonder Voyage 2009 Summer Blog

We started off the day by climbing into our cars, some of us half asleep, and driving down to our destination. When we pulled up beside Saint Anthony’s church, we all groaned a little, thinking we were going to attend yet another church service. But to our surprise, we walked across the street and were told we would be doing some service work. There, we met with a man named Fitz and were soon split up into two groups. One was assigned to do some behind the scene work sorting clothing, and the others walked down to the senior health center and spent a few hours talking to and playing games with the elderly housed there.

At about noon, we all met up back at the church and got in line to have lunch. While standing and talking with a variety of people, I saw one elderly man sitting on the side of the street. He was carefully and meticulously wrapping his blistered, swollen red feet in old tattered napkins and proceeding to gently put his beat up old sneakers on. When he finished, he looked around and got up slowly, limping away and sighing. Sights like that really open ones eyes to the things that we take for granted in our lives- to us, a napkin is a worthless piece of paper that we wipe our mouths or hands on, and then throw away. To others, it’s a comfortable bandage that keeps you warm and at ease. We then ate lunch with all the homeless in a big dining room, each of us striking up a different conversation with someone, hoping to make their day a little brighter.

When we finished, we completely changed directions by walking to Union Square, the wealthiest part of the city. As we walked, we noticed the blantant change of poor to rich in one block. It was a crazy feeling to go from one extreme to another, and when we finished walking for a couple of hours, we met back up to go to one more place still a mystery to us.

We pulled into a parking lot near Pier 33 where we excitedly founf a boat to Alcatraz waiting for us. We boarded the boat, taking a 12 minute ride to the island. It seemed monstrous and intimidating and when we stepped off it was cold, foggy and dark. We learned its history, then walked up to the prison on the top where we took an amazIng audio tour. We heard stories from the prisoners, guards and family members.

At one point in the tour they took us outside to look at the view. Earlier in the day Fitz talked to us about “Us/ Them” and he wanted to make it clear to our group that there is no “them” in this world. There is only “Us”. Everybody needs dignity and respect. At Alcatraz they we “Them”. In my life, I hope to continue to strive treat people as “us” because, according to Jesus, we are to pray ‘Our Father’ and that ‘Our’ only leaves room for Us.

Our second day of pilgrimage was both fun and tiring.  We went to two church services, witnessed hundreds of sparring sealions, ate enough In and Out burgers to make us sick and bought sweet sunglasses.  Zach is currently trying to fix his because he sat on them.

The morning service was a very new experience for us pilgrims. To summarize we used phrases like excessive clapping, loud voices and insane dance moves, and packed building. Other than that, the service was ver similiar to United Parish. Similiar message and same sense of faith. 

Our second service was on the complete opposite side of the church service spectrum.  There was about 20 people in the congregation at a service that lasted 35 minutes. It was a quick sermon, a few short hyms and a cozy communion.

The afternoon free time allowed some touristing.  My group went to the pier and checked out shops and sea lions.  We ate burgers.  We expereinced many different ways of living. Whether flailing your arms at a 2 hour church service or watching street magic outside of an In and Out Burger we are all on faith journey.

Today was a mixture of excitement and boredom.  I woke up not looking forward to theupcoming day but when I arrived at the airport all those feelings dissappeared.  the one disappointing part of the day was all the waiting.  We got to the airport at 8:45 when departure was 10:45 am.  The plane ride was fun but long.  I was lucky that I was tired enough to sleep.  Even luckier to wake up to a movie that was good.

When we landed the plane spot at the gate was occupied so once again we waited.  We took the shuttle to our rental car and we got a couple of vehicles.  Problem is there was no storage space. So each kid had their suitcase on their lap until we arrived at the hostel.

When we got to out to our small rooms with 4 bunks to a room. We immediatly went to a restaurant where Zach made me laugh when my mouth was full of water and I spewed it across the table onto Mia.  Sorry Mia. We then went to bed 10 pm (or 1 am EST).

I learned a couple of lessons today.  I should learn to be patient and the other is that I should drink quickly around Zach.