 |
| Final tagging of baggage before check-in at the departure gate |
Another family transition officially transpired without (reported) incident: Zachary has been transplanted to European soil. Zac's departure via Vancouver, BC, went off without a hitch; other than a very random series of questions by the Canadian Peace Arch border guard, the event was fairly uneventful. We officially received word that he landed and found lodging:
"Couldn't sleep on flight...took a train to Innsbruck and am here now."
Although the first 5 nights of his European stay are unstructured and mostly unplanned, we trust in his survival skills and good intuition, and eagerly await his occasional email updates and hope for photos, too. As his first update arrived ~
at the very moment Tim read it at work~ a customer who lives in Garmisch-Partkirchen, Germany, happened to be in our shop. The customer overheard Tim sharing Zac's whereabouts and offered him lodging in a six bedroom apartment with a view of the highest peak in the Bavarian Alps, where her husband is currently stationed. Whether or not Zachary takes the free lodging offer shall remain a mystery for the time being, but talk about Divine Providence at work!
 |
| Zac fires away during a pre-departure target practice session for fun on our private property. |
Zac's unarmed on this journey, except for his trusty pocket knife, but he's packing a whole host of prayers and an extremely talented and holy guardian angel. His hammock and lighter may prove useful; whether or not he'll miss his sleeping bag and hiking boots remains to be seen. He's traveling light, with backpack and day pack, yet stuffed in his Church clothes ~ hand-me-downs from our former parish priest, Father Qui Thac~Marion who passed down and gave away all his belongings before taking the Benedictine habit and living the vow of poverty in extreme simplicity during this past year of discernment. So in a way, Father QT~M is along for the journey with Zachary as well!
Quote of the day:
I announced, "Zachary is in one of the most beautiful places in the world today!"
Peter replied, "So are we."
So true.
 |
| On top of the world |
 |
| Like father, like son; at the target range with Mt. Baker looming in the distance |
 |
| Family supper with our very special guest from Mission, BC |
Speaking of Benedictines, we had the pleasure of hosting Father Peter Nygren, OSB, rector of Christ the King Seminary in Mission, BC, for dinner at our home a few days ago. Father Peter makes a few stops after the school year ends to visit families whose boys have attended the live-ins and made connections with the Catholic boys' school. We served grilled pork chops and corn on the cob and in return received a beautiful blessing and the opportunity to chant Vespers together in our living room (more or less on key).
 |
| Zachary, Peter, Father Peter and Joseph |
 |
| Dr. Dude gives Zac the business over his beard |
Speaking of special visitors, our Goddaughter Hope, and her family are visiting from San Diego. Former neighbors and faithful parishioners of Sacred Heart, this adorable, growing family lights up the whole city upon their return. We have cherished a few rowdy suppers at home and some squirming in the pews. Things are always more exciting with little ones running around, and the timing of their visit coinciding with Zachary's departure helps ease the heart strains a bit.
 |
| Zachary and Dominic chill in the company of Dominic's wiggly sisters: Miriam, Hope and Hannah |
 | | | | | | | |
| Three brothers; apart for the time being, but very close at heart | | | |
|
|
