We Made It!

We got up early Friday Morning, and ate a heart meal of waffles thanks to the hot continental breakfast at our hotel. Then we pushed, and I mean pushed hard.  We stopped a few times to refill the gas and our bellies, but other than that we pushed.  From 9am Central time to 5am Mountian time the next day (today/Saturday) we were on the road.  We crashed on the warm, old brown carpet here at BABR to catch a quick nap before anyone was really up.  Then by 8am we were up and getting around for the memorial.

Why do we have to say "goodbye"?  Why do these things keep happening? Why does it seem I out live many who are even younger than I?  I mean, I am getting use to the thought I might not have my Merami much longer, but to lose someone who was just 17?  It sickens my heart, especially when it was to suicide.   Yet, I know how hard it can be.  When I was 16/17, I was facing death I thought... due to my "mystery" illness which to this day has no true name.  I myself thought of just ending it all a few times... years ago.  But to actually follow through... NO, I promise everyone, I will not even toy with that idea ever again, from this day forth... and thus honor my fallen brother's memory all the more.  Rest at peace in our Lord's arms little brother!

~ Morria

Reflections on Chicago...

Here I am age 25, having just gotten done with my first summer working in Dine Bikeyah at BABR...  Now I am in a city far different from the Pinon Pine and Sage Brush covered desert which I am in love with.  Here I can hear the lone coyote howling his lonely watches through the night in the near by graveyard where he lives.   Here I can here the ambulance bring the injured the the hospital 3 blocks away all hours of the night from my 5th story window.  Here I can feel the breeze from the water of lake Michigan 8 blocks away. 

Yet my heart had no peace.   I am as always a wander in a strange land, far from the place I call home....We know we just have no peace in the city and have to follow our callings...  By the time our 14 months living in Chicagoland will be up, we will be restless and trapped by the buildings....already are just 4 months in.  Still I love the city... but forever it seems the open road is calling...

~ Morria

To Project 12 and Chicago!

So, here we are nearly home to Tennessee after our summer at BABR...  We were resting against our bags at the St. Louis old Union Station, waiting for our bus and the call came.  "We have a room and an opening for you in P12! Can you be here by weekend of the 8-12th?"  Umm...sure.  Thankfully we packed most of our stuff BEFORE leaving for camp, as that gave us 3 days to pack and head out.  After I got off the phone, Robby and I laughed.  So the journey continues....

This gypsy queen and her pirate king have alot of prepping to do.  We have to get our camp clothing washed.  Get our linens stripped and packed.  Call a few friends from around Knoxville and say, "Good-bye." as *la sigh* we wont get a chance to see them in person before heading out.  Oh, wow, so much to think about.  Gotta go!  They just gave the call to load our bus... 12 more hours then Knoxville!

~ Morria

Good-Bye To Summer and BABR!

So, summer is over... I hate to see it gone.  Our bags are packed.  Tomorrow we get on the bus to head back to Knoxville, and from there a big question mark.  We dont know what is in store after summer.  This summer has had such purpose, such focus.  Our life after BABR is nothing but a question mark.  Not that I have minded... living each day focusing on the campers that has been awesome.  Now though, it is back to the "real" world so to speak.

In the morning we get on the bus to start our over 36 hr (not counting layovers) trip home.  Or at least, that was how long the trip here took... After staying put most of 2 months, it is going to be good to stretch these wings and start moving again.  Wonder where the road will take us next?

~ Morria