Wonder Voyage 2010 Summer Blog

Apparently jumping off a platform from 25 feet above the forest is a great way to test your courage. I wasn’t sure how to feel about it. I was scared, but I was also very pumped. As a few of my friends went up, I was getting very excited. Finally it was my turn. They harness me up, and I start to climb this giant tree. With all of my adrenaline, I climbed the tree so ridiculously fast. I got to the top, stood on the platform 25 feet up, and I read this quote…

“If you doubt you can accomplish something, then you can’t accomplish it. You have to have confidence in your ability, and then be tough enough to follow through.”

And at that moment I felt everything slow down. I controlled my fear and I jumped knowing my trustworthy group of friends would bring me down safely.

The 9-member team from Faith Episcopal in Laguna Niguel, California arrived in Portland and settled in for a local lunchtime favorite: DQ. The one hour journey to our home-away-from-home took us through the valleys full of bountiful crops and vineyards. As we toured the grounds, we found ourselves surrounded by snow capped mountains with Mt. Hood and Mt. Bachelor peeking back at us from a distance and reminding us of the beauty in God’s design. The team settled into their rooms before heading out for stone soup shopping Iron Chef-style as the teens must infuse oranges, avocado and peanuts into tomorrow night’s meal. As for tonight, we will enjoy a catered dinner followed by an orientation in the fireside room before we embark on a week of service and exploration in Oregon’s perfect weather. I look forward to an awesome week with this close knit team. I cannot wait to see what God has in store for us.

Almost three days. Three days with people I would have never even thought would have the spirituality that they have. To be honest I didn’t exactly understand how to feel God or listen to his voice before I came here. Sunday, I was still working on it, I was mostly
focusing on getting up a huge hill from our long hike. But today at the shore- that was where I felt God and his true beauty and greatness. -Caroline (a pilgrim)

For the past two days on our journey to finding God, I got to experience His creations and feel the movement within them. When I was in my church back home, I didn’t understand the meaning of God and what his plans were. Now, when I’m with people that I didn’t
previously get together with, and I see these wonderful sights with my own eyes, my understanding has changed. -Jessie (a pilgrim)

After a winding drive, we took a pit-stop-turned-adventure. I’ve never been on a better detour in my life. We stood on jagged and mollusk-coated rocks while watching the waves crash near us. We attempted (but didn’t succeed) to capture the beauty on film. A day at the beach followed. A day well spent experiencing God’s power firsthand. A day seeing the most beautiful sights I’ve ever seen. A day realizing how cold the Pacific really is. Today was a good day. -Shannon (a pilgrim)

Today we embark upon the first day of our pilgrimage in Oregon. We started our day with a Eucharist at St. Timothy’s in Salem, a happy
community of saints that looks different from our own. They
incorporate ancient traditions into their service, including the singing of their liturgy!

The community here at St Timothy’s has welcomed us with open arms. It has been the perfect way to begin our voyage: it’s not what we’re used to, but we’re ok with it. We look forward to the next few days, as we separate from all things familiar into our wild adventure with God.

Later, we will be heading into the scenic Silver Falls State Park for some hiking and exploration. Today promises to bring us numerous adventures and surprises.