Trip to Maryland

The novices took a trip to Silver Spring Maryland to see the different Salvatorian ministries. On the drive out there we stopped at Akron Ohio. Fr. Reed's cousin lives there and treated us to dinner and we drove around Akron. We saw the Hotel where Bill W called Dr. Bob and say, "Im  a alcoholic and need to talk to someone. That is the first step in which Alcoholics Anonymous started. We drove past Lebron james high school which had a big banner that said Welcome Back Lebron. We then saw the House where Bill W. and Dr. Bob would meet. This house is where AA started. The interesting thing I found was there is exactly 12 steps from the side walk to the house. Is that where the 12 step program got the idea. It is an organization that has changed lives throughout the whole world. It is incredible what those two have done for the world.
In Silver Spring we went to the Frost School which Br. Sean was one of the co founders of it. It started as a school for Autistic children. Now it is a school for children will all kinds of disabilities. That is hard work and takes patience. We then head to the Lanham seminary. The old Salvatorian Seminary back in the 60's. The building is still standing and the original stain glass windows are still in it. It sits empty now. It is a christian theology school that went bankrupt and they have been trying to sell the property for two years now.
the next day we headed to camp St. Charles which is a camp the Salvatorians started in the 60's on the Potomac river. Beautiful spot. They have horses, rabbits, a pig, a duck and other animals for the children to play with. They have an archery range, soccer field , small ropes course, and paddle boards for the water. You can tell it has a rich history there. Also stopped at Captian John's to get some crab.
Some of us ventured into DC to tour the capital. It reminded me a lot of the Vatican. Tall pillars , lots of statues and the top dome has a picture of George Washington sitting on a throne in heaven and lady freedom is pointing to him. I found that interesting. We walked to Washington memorial, WW2 memorial which I found the very moving. I soaked my feet in the water and sat in silence.
Lincoln memorial was also powerful. To think that Maritn Luther King Jr. and all these other famous historical events have happened on those steps. Incredible. I was a little disappoint in the Korean, and Vietnam Memorial because of kids running around and many people talking. It was really loud at both. I felt blessed to be there.
We also checked out the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. If anyone is ever in DC check it out. Very impressive church. I was very surprised. Tons of mosaics and pictures of Our ladies and saints. Beautifully done. We also went to the Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land. It was need because they have replicas of all the major Holy land sites. It is neat to see what these places look like today.

Then as soon as I got back the big project was writing a grant for the Helen Bader Foundation. I got it submitted and now I just pray we get it. If we do well have the funds to start Second Chance Employment Milwaukee.

July flew by.

 At the nationals vs the Brewers with Keith and Salie

 Dr. Bob's house in Akron Ohio. 12 steps. This is where AA started

 The old Salvatorian Seminary in Lanham, MD

Infront of the Capital with Salie