Sacred Journey
  • Home
  • Why
  • How you can participate
  • Follow Bishop Logan
    • Wayne's Diary
    • Images
    • Videos

Day 6 - The last entry

3/31/2017

0 Comments

 
Picture
6As we took the first few steps last Sunday on the continuation of the Sacred Journey from Pt McNeill, we began with a mix of anticipation and apprehension. Today, we completed this phase of the journey in Sooke with a feeling of serenity, wonder, and humble celebration.
​
We were overcome with a huge feeling of gratitude, that we had been sustained on the journey by God and the prayers of God's people, for the welcome we received by Anglicans and First Peoples, by the positive response to Bishop’s challenge to continue the journey.
​
We set off this morning from Roche Cove, walking the Galloping Goose most of the way into Sooke. At Roche Cove, we were joined by the Rev Dimas Canjura and three of the people of Holy Trinity, along with Imelda Secker, who works with the bishop at the synod office. What a blessing to have community historian, Liz Johnson along to relate the history of the places we passed.

This part of the ‘Goose’ is particularly scenic and we marvelled at the spring wild flowers, the waterfalls, the forest—all part of God’s creation. We saw wild lilies, a symbol used by many island churches, and to our surprise, a cluster of trilliums, Ontario’s provincial flower. Obviously, someone had passed this way from eastern Canada. Douglas fir (‘fake fir’ according to Liz), cedars, arbutus, larch and other species of trees accompanied us along the way.

As we reached Sooke Rd, we left the serenity of the Goose and headed for the city centre and Holy Trinity. Along the way, a planned visit with the T’Sou-ke Nation proved to be a very meaningful stop. Here we were met by Councillor Rosie Dumont who responded to Bishop’s request to enter the land and to stay by reporting that she had approval to do on behalf of the chief and council of the nation. The entire group of walkers was deeply touched by her warmth and friendly response, and her invitation to visit again.
​
Then it was on to Holy Trinity for a sandwich lunch provided by the people of the parish and a period of relaxation until the potluck dinner in the early evening. At the evening event, Bishop spoke of the meaning of the Sacred Journey as a symbol of the long journey to reconciliation. Over a delicious vegetarian meal (in honour of Bishop), we talked and laughed and shared stories of the SJ. And then we departed for our homes with a small sense of loss that tomorrow held no down-the-road walking goal (“what are we going to do with ourselves”). Relief soon overcame this.

As Bishop’s words echo in Anglican churches all the way down the island from St Columba in Pt Hardy to Holy Trinity in Sooke, the importance of his message and the sincerity and commitment with which they are expressed sinks in. He is committed to staying the course and the people of the island—Anglicans and First Nations--
are responding.

The SJ has served as a symbol of the work ahead. With God in our corner and Bishop and an ever-expanding circle of those touched by the potential for a renewed relationship, the journey will continue and the end will be achieved.

And so the second phase of the SJ has been completed and what an enormous privilege to walk this path with Bishop. Just over 100km and 160,000 steps, added to the 480km and 650,000 steps of 2016, we have now walked Vancouver Island from as far north as the road leads and the same south and part way to the west. We have visited and been graciously received by Anglicans and First Peoples along the way. Many people have joined on the walk, for which we are very grateful. Thanks also to all those who have supported the journey in a variety of ways.

Bishop has carried the important message of reconciliation and the challenge to join in the work in a spirit of truth-telling, healing and reconciliation. The principles of simplicity and humility have been sustained and in turn have sustained. Carried by the grace of God and the prayers of God's people, we have survived sore feet and aching muscles, walking further than we ever imagined that we could.

As Elder Jill Harris said of the SJ, “the door has been opened” to new conversations and new relationships.  We must ensure the door remains open so the hard and important work, yet to be done, is carried forward and at some future day is completed.

Nelson Mandela’s words echo as we end this step of the long journey. “I have walked that long road to freedom. I have tried not to falter; I have made missteps along the way. But I have discovered the secret that after climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb. I have taken a moment here to rest, to steal a view of the glorious vista that surrounds me, to look back on the distance I have come. But I can only rest for a moment, for with freedom come responsibilities, and I dare not linger, for my long walk is not ended.”

We must take a moment to rest, and then we must walk on. With God’s help, we will.
0 Comments

Day 5 - A Quiet Day For Goodbyes

3/30/2017

1 Comment

 
Picture
​A quiet day, thanks be to God, after the walk over the hump yesterday.
​
We set off early from Pt Alberni in fog to meet Ian Alexander who would be waiting at Royal Roads to walk with us.

As we drove, the weather cleared and we entered the environs of Victoria in nice weather. We prayed it would hold while we walked.

After dispensing with our baggage at Bishop's house, we proceeded to the meeting place.

Here we said so long to our friend and driver, Jeff and set him free of duties to return to a normal life. Bishop expressed a huge debt of gratitude for Jeff's service while Jeff related his pleasure and what he had learned by travelling with Bishop on this historic undertaking.

And then we walked, buoyed by the weather and the company of Ian. We strolled most of the day, enjoying the beauty of the scenery along the Galloping Goose and the absence of traffic, a real delight after walking the roads of the north island.

We have developed a very comfortable mix of conversation and silent reflection, both evidence of the gifts of God. And so we talked and listened and reflected on the experience and its meaning. And then we talked some more.

20km and about 30,000 steps later, we reached Roche Cove where we will begin the last steps of phase 2 of the SJ, into Holy Trinity is Sooke.

While mention was made of phase 3 and an annual Lenten pilgrimage, all of that is for another day. 

A glorious day, reminding us of God's grace. We ended the day full of gratitude that God has placed us in this place and given Bishop this mission.
May all be so blessed and so thankful.
1 Comment

Day 4 - Rain or Shine

3/29/2017

0 Comments

 

Today began grey, clouds leaking onto the earth, God's tears for a troubled world. We said goodbye to Pt McNeill and drove out into the rain, our target Pt Alberni.
​
Stopped in Roberts Lake to say hello to Lorna who had been so good to us last March, opening a cabin for an overnight stay and then refusing any pay for it. And she thought Bishop was his last name. Of course, we shared one of her delicious big cinnamon buns.

At noon, right on schedule, we arrived at Cathedral Grove to begin the walk into town. Joined by about eight members of Holy Trinity, we walked into the midst of the magnificent cedars for morning devotions and then began the 20km walk, over the 'hump'—the steepest and highest hill we had encountered either year.

Imagine our surprise and pleasure when the group included Jeanette Santorelli and her daughter Amber who had joined us last year on four different occasions.
411 metres later, we were on the down slope and on into Pt Alberni for a delicious potluck dinner with Pastor Brenda and the people of Holy Trinity. As we approached the city, the clouds disappeared, the rain stopped, and we completed our walk in glorious sunshine.

What a joyous event. Here Bishop spoke to the assembled Anglican/United congregation about the year of reconciliation in a manner that made the diocesan vision come alive. The clarity of his words was evident to everyone assembled.

We ate, we talked and listened, we gave thanks for God's many blessings.

Jeff's Reflection
Jeff Nelson is driving the van for the walkers. Here is his note from the road.

Picture

The other day, the bishop asked if anything had specifically stood out to me from that day's journey. Of course, I am not 'walking' the journey in the same way as he and Wayne.

At one of my stops, invisible, yet only steps from the road, I came upon this picture of beauty. I was struck by the sheer perfection of this work of art by the Creator. I thought the perfection of the reflection in the lake was amazing. It makes me realize that everything God makes, whether a place or people, is a work of art. Sometimes we just need to take the time to open our eyes and our hearts to see it.
0 Comments

Day 3 - Friends, Neighbours and Aunties

3/28/2017

1 Comment

 
Picture
Picture
Picture

Today was a day we looked forward to, knowing there was only ten kilometres into Port Hardy. Chief George's prayers were working as we began to walk with no rain and for the most part, the rain held off all day.

Joined by Rev Alastair Hunting of St Columba and his partner Allison, we set off in good spirits with the bishop's question,"What is God saying through Creation?" front and centre. But the best was yet to come, in so many ways.

​Richard George, elder of the Gwa'sala-'Nakwaxda'xw nation had accompanied Rev Hunting to walk with us. To "honour the bishop and his journey," Richard walked in his full ceremonial robes. Along the way, many from his community stopped to ask what was going on and welcomed the bishop as we told them about the SJ.

As we entered Pt Hardy, Richard took us into the Tsulquate village of his people. We walked past houses under construction and renovation and the band office and learning centre. At one point, Richard asked us to hold on for a moment as he went into one of the houses. A few moments later, he waved to us to join him. And here is where our day got a whole lot more meaningful.

Richard introduced us to Auntie Lil, a wonderful octogenarian with a lifetime of stories to tell. Auntie Lil was a residential school survivor who had suffered significant punishment when she was first taken to the school in Alert Bay. "I didn't speak English and when I said anything in my language, I would get strapped. I didn't know why," she said. She went on to tell of the years of healing that she has undergone and how today, "I am OK."

What struck me most profoundly was her story of healing. "Who are you to be angry at?" she asked. "It comes down to what's inside. You have to deal with your inner self to rid yourself of the anger." Her faith was obvious to us and her willingness to forgive had a profound impact on all of us; an impact that we will not soon forget. The visit with Auntie Lil was a highlight of a day filled with reminders of God's blessings on the travellers.

Richard had told us earlier in the day that we must allow those who are hurting to be angry and respect their right to be angry. "Don't try to fix it; don't come with solutions. Come and listen and give us our time." The bishop replied that we too had healing to do and that healing might come as our relationships are transformed and made different and better.

After this emotional and transformational time with Richard and Auntie Lil, we drove Alastair and Allison back to their car and parked beside the 'carrot' park for a respite. Then on to St Columba for a potluck dinner with parish members and a number of elders from the Tsulquate community. What a treat. Good food, good company, music, prayers for healing, remarks from the bishop.

True to his commitment, Bishop spoke of truth telling healing and reconciliation. He minced not a word in admitting to the evil of the residential school system and spoke of the SJ as just one step in a long journey to a new relationship; one where descendants of the settlers listen and learn from First Peoples.

After the singing of favourite gospel songs and a prayer, the bishop, along with Rev Alastair and Father Dino of the RC church gave a blessing to Elder Ray, who was hurting physically. Then we said goodbye and set off to our beds, and hopefully a good night of rest, content that God had cared for and blessed us again.

As I write this, I am filled with fond and lasting memories of our time with Auntie Lil. She reminded us of the love we share for our aunties and the importance of hearing their stories. They carry the message from the past that we must honour and never forget.

Blessing to all from the road, as far north as it goes on Vancouver Island.

1 Comment

Day 2 - Day of the Dance

3/27/2017

2 Comments

 
Picture
Picture
One of the joys of being with Bishop on the SJ is the occurrences that pop up unexpectedly, bringing joy and pleasure with them.
​

So it was last evening when we received an invitation to a surprise birthday party for Deborah Murray. Her partner, Craig had invited several of her friends and asked us to keep Deborah busy until the guests had accumulated, and so we did as she walked with us all day.

As the evening unfolded, Craig and their son Clifton, a member of the Tenors, joined in singing "The Dance," made famous by Garth Brooks. The key message of the song lies in the line "I could have missed the pain, but I'd have had to miss the dance."

As I reflected on the message, I thought it a metaphor for the SJ; we could have avoided the agony of sore feet and aching muscles but in so doing we would have missed the joy of the experience of meeting so many wonderful folks?
And so we danced. All day long today, we danced.

Chief George of the Kwakiutl First Nation had told us yesterday that he had prayed for good weather. We woke this morning to a glorious day and the rain held off for the entire day--a perfect day for walking.

Rev Alastair Hunting of St Columba in Pt Hardy, joined us early in the day, Deborah and Clifton later and Rev Lincoln McKoewn at the turnoff to Fort Rupert, where we were also met by Chief Hunt's family for the walk into the home of the Kwakiutl.

At the medical centre in town, we were met by Chief Hunt and his wife, Mary, and a number of elders and band members for a very nice lunch.
As we ate, Chief Calvin Hunt drummed and sang a Kwakiutl song, written for the sacred canoe journey of his people, which seemed particularly appropriate to the SJ. Chief Hunt was joined in singing by John Jacobson, a master carver. Responding to a request from those gathered, Clifton Murray sang Hallelujah and we danced.
The joining of voices from the chief and a very talented descendant of the settler community, and the reaction to both, reinforced the objective of the SJ and illustrating what can be done when relationships are transformed and strengthened. What a joyful result, and we danced some more.

After lunch, conversation and emotional goodbyes, the walking team, now down to three, set off back to the highway and tomorrow's starting point. We asked Chief George to continue to pray for us and left knowing that he would do so.
The day of the dance, a day where we once again thanked God for the many blessings bestowed on the SJ. Blessings to all God's people.

2 Comments

Day 1 of the continuation of the journey

3/27/2017

0 Comments

 
Picture
Picture
The journey began as the bishop and members of the Diocesan Council embarked from the Alert Bay ferry and joined parishioners at St John Gualbert in Pt McNeill.

Reports from the weekend in Alert Bay, where the documentary "One Step" chronically the journey from last March was formally screened, were very encouraging. Bishop and the SJ are making a positive difference.


After greetings and hugs all round, we set off toward Pt Hardy in the rain joined by fellow Anglican, Deborah Murray.

Our trepidation at the prospect of walking 20km was justified by the total lack of training we had done."We have not walked that far since last March" was a sentiment shared by all three of us.

Jeff Nelson, our friend and fabulous driver, took pity and drove only 6km ahead and when we reached the van, hot tea was ready to pick up our spirits on a day when we were soon tired and wet. We took solace in knowing that this too was a day that the Lord had made and at the 20km mark, we marvelled at how we had been sustained by the importance of the SJ and the knowledge that Bishop is following the path that God would have him do. And we were still able to walk.

A highlight of the day was meeting Chief George Hunt of the Kwakiutl band and his family, some of whom joined us for a short distance with a promise to meet at the Fort Rupert turnoff tomorrow and walk with us into their village.
​

Wherever we go, echoing last year's experience, we are met with the most incredible hospitality and friendship. We are filled with such gratitude and joy that overwhelms the fatigue and soreness resulting from the 25,000 steps.
And wouldn't you know it, as we drove back to our overnight accommodation, another sign from God, a rainbow, a promise of another good day tomorrow.
We pray that all may feel the presence of our generous God as are we on the second phase of the SJ.

0 Comments

And so it begins...again

3/25/2017

0 Comments

 
Picture
Anticipation began the first day Bishop and I spoke and agreed the journey had not been completed. Anticipation builds as the day the walking nears and will peak as we take the first step tomorrow. 

We are going into uncharted territory and while our enthusiasm has peaked, so too has apprehension about weather, our lack of adequate training, and the potential for wild animal encounters. We go forth with God's promise that in the end all will be well. And in the full understanding of thr importance of the journey as a model of reconciliation and that spiritual growth demands that we step out in faith, even into situation in which we feel lost. 

As warm up to this part of the SJ, Bishop has spent the weekend in Alert Bay with Diocesan Council and the Revs McKoewn, while Jeff Nelson (our driver) and I spent Saturday evening with our friends the Murrays--wonderful hosts. Tomorrow, Bishop will participate in the service in Alert Bay while we two in Pt McNeill. Jeff will lead the hymns while I offer a homily, both stepping into areas beyond our comfort zone, good practice for the walk to come. 

Once we take the first few steps, and tomorrow those will be shared with members of diocesan council and the Pt McNeill parish, anticipation turns to the work of putting one foot in front of the other about 25,000 times. Anticipation turns to excitement and learning, and as the day draws to a close--to tired feet and sore legs.

We begin in anticipation and end weary and satisfied that this too has made a contribution and content that this is what God wants Bishop Logan to do. 

Jeff and I and Deborah who will walk with us tomorrow are so privileged to be with the Bishop as he begins phase 2, continuing his commitment to reconciliation, following through on what he said he would do, responding to the call from God, serving as a model to the rest of us. 

0 Comments

Addendum to final entry

3/25/2016

0 Comments

 
...And deep appreciation to the many who were able to join us physically on the walk (we estimate that over 200 joined us along the route), symbolically, and those who prayed for us along the way. Your presence and your prayers sustained our spirits and made each step easier. Thanks to all.
0 Comments

Day 17 - Wednesday, March 23

3/24/2016

2 Comments

 
39.4 km, 54,000 steps, a very long day as we took the scenic route.

Last report from the road as tomorrow we get Bishop on a morning ferry at Mill Bay and turn the SJ over to Stephen. We received word today that National Indigenous Bishop Mark MacDonald would walk with Bishop Logan tomorrow and Friday.

First, an oversight. On yesterday's report, I failed to report (tired I guess) the 70 good people who met with Chief Brown, the elders and the Bishop at St Michael and All Angels and thank those who organized such a wonderful pot luck dinner. Thanks to all who made the evening sing.

Further, Elder Harris shared an important lesson- when first peoples issue an invitation, two people deliver it by hand- no emails, no phone calls, no snail mail.

Today was walking and visiting with church folks. Several joined in the walk and even more in the lunch at St John's in Duncan and dinner at St John the Baptist in Cobble Hill. Thanks to Revs Clara and Heather and all the people of both churches for their welcome and generosity.

Bishop spoke of the importance of right relationship with first peoples as he shared the experiences and learnings of the SJ. Of particular note, he mentioned the emotion of hearing Chief Willie Good's story. He expressed his pleasure at the openness of the many Anglicans he had encountered on the journey. The foundation for the work ahead is solid, a great base from which to move forward.

Jim summarized his experience in two words- "wow and ow" pointing to his feet on the second word. He said "the ow will soon fade but the wow will last a long time." This reflects the sentiment of the entire SJ team- we will not soon forget what we have been privileged to have experienced. We have been changed and will hopefully be better because of our part in this journey.

In closing, I want to express my sincere appreciation to everyone involved, from those who were there at the first glint in Bishop's eye, to the volunteers on the planning team, to the parishes, their clergy and laity who organized events and fed us so well, to the motor home drivers who took on extra tasks without hesitation, to the first peoples who met us with such grace and open hearts, to our wonderful hosts who gave us refuge and a comfortable bed, to our sponsors who provided t-shirts at cost and lodging, and to Mama Bishop who fed us many great lunches.

And thanks to our Bishop who dreams of a better world and then sets out to make the dream a reality. Our church and our world is better off  for that reality.

The Sacred Journey is almost over. The path to reconciliation is a long one with many, many steps yet to be taken. But together, we have taken a huge step; we have made the SJ a reality and we have made a difference, and for that we can be humbly proud. 

With God in our corner, nothing is impossible. Let us continue to act on this magnificent dream of justice and mutual respect for all.

Wayne for the SJ team
2 Comments

Day 16 - Tuesday, March 22,

3/23/2016

1 Comment

 
PictureJill Harris (elder), Chief Joan Brown, Bishop McMenamie, Rev. Wimmer.
A long day, 33.5 km, 49,000 steps

First a correction- Chief Willie Good did not attend residential school. Many family members did; he was speaking of the impact on his family and of their pain in his life.

Second, a bow with sincere appreciation to our wonderful hosts with whom we were billeted. In Lantzville, Rev Chillman and Jude, in Nanaimo, Syd and Joyce and Carol and Boyd, and in Duncan, Sarah and Gary. We got to know many wonderful people and we are most grateful.

Today was a long walk. One huge highlight was the many people who joined the SJ for parts of the day.

As we left St Paul's, Susan, Adela and Gill from Gabriola joined along with Daryth from St Philip's, Cedar until the first break.

In reflections as they departed, Susan said she wanted to think more about leadership and the loneliness that leaders must encounter as she watched Bishop walk at the front, alone and in silence. A message for all - our obligation to all Anglicans to support the bishop so that his walk (this one and the many more to come) are walked in the company of saints and angels.

Adela spoke of the honour she felt in joining the SJ today. Despite walking fast down the main road, "I sensed we were walking through history- leaving behind the regrettable past and embracing a new level of awareness and respect for 'all our relations'. A humbling and in-Spir-ing experience."

Later we were joined by Ruth and John from Ladysmith and Sara from Duncan for the journey into Chemainus. Our friends from Port Alberni, Jeanette and Amber also joined. As we walked together, Jeanette said she could not explain the 'pull' that the SJ had on her, "but I have to be here." Expressing what many pilgrims along the way are feeling.

And so we walked on. Traffic on the main road was heavy, but the sun shone and our spirits remained high. As soon as possible, we diverted off the highway to Chemainus road and more quiet. At our afternoon break, as the entire group shared cookies and stories in the motor home, rain poured down. As we got ready to resume the walk, the rain slowed to a trickle, so while we walked for some time in rain - not bad. God graced our path with several rainbows today.

On to St Michael and All Angels for a wonderful dinner and a meet-up with Revs Wimmer and Cutten. Here we were graced with the presence of Chief Brown of the Penelakut nation and elders Jill Harris and Val Bob.

In his presentation, Bishop read quotes from government and church documents of the 1920s and 1930s indicating the terrible attitude of officials at that time toward 'the Indian problem' - the basis and justification for residential schools and their devastating effects. He offered a sincere and emotion-filled "I am truly sorry" to the First Peoples present and reminded Anglicans of the work to be done.

In response, Jill Harris used the parable of the Good Samaritan to remind us all of our responsibility of all our neighbours. She asked for respect in her most gracious response to the bishop's apology.

Stories of the experience of the SJ were shared in the hope that words would give a picture of the indescribable honour of our participation. First Peoples have been gracious and kind every time we meet, and we are learning.

The most poignant moment occurred during the gift exchange as Rev Heather presented Chief Brown with a pewter replica of a dragonfly. In an emotional thanks, Chief Brown explained that her mother had passed away a few years ago. The symbol that they remember her mother by is a dragonfly, something unknown to Heather when she obtained the gift. As the story unfolded, Rev Michael said "more evidence of God's work," to which we all agreed.

Another day full of God's enormous love for us all; another day that we will not soon forget.

One more long day to come. Blessings.

Wayne for the team

1 Comment
<<Previous
    Picture

    Wayne Stewart

    lives in Calgary, Alberta where he is an active member of the Anglican Diocese of Calgary. Wayne is spending the winter in Victoria generously donating his full-time efforts to organizing all aspects of the Sacred Journey. He is also Bishop Logan McMenamie's walking companion on the two-and-a-half week journey from Alert Bay to Mill Bay and, as he likes to tease, the bishop's bait while they walk along the less populated stretches of the route.

    Archives

    March 2017
    March 2016

    Categories

    All

    RSS Feed

Interact with us!


Website developed by
vCrew
  • Home
  • Why
  • How you can participate
  • Follow Bishop Logan
    • Wayne's Diary
    • Images
    • Videos