Day 5 (afternoon) - Wednesday June 30

We went from the St Louis Zoo to the St. Louis Basilica Cathedral. When I lived here 17 yrs ago, I never made it inside. WOW! What a place! The mosaic and gold glitter is breathtaking. There are so many scenes on the walls and ceilings that my kids asked me if we were in a "Ukrainian Church!" The limited time of 30 minutes we gave this church was severely inadequate, but the best we could get with the kids in tow. Loved it and highly recommend it!

We headed down to the riverfront to see the Gateway Arch Memorial.

With the bright blue skies this really was

monumental for the whole family. I stressed over whether we could/would travel up in the tram to view from the top. Not all the kids were interested and so we

omitted it and there was no fuss from

anyone. We toured the museum below and took part in a short tour to personalize the items and history on the property. No one broke any artifacts...so it was an impressive day.

The walk along the (Mississippi) riverfront was so beautiful

and peaceful. Trees acted as canopies all

along the paved park. Kids chased every squirrel and bird that was within 50 feet! The river was very high and most of the landing area was closed - including the riverboat cruises. A few barges floated down the river and we explained to the kids how it is used as a shipping route.

Everyone was hungry and tired...so we stumbled down the cobblestones of Laclede's Landing to the Old Spaghetti Factory for a satisfying family friendly meal where everyone was stuffed, smiling and happy. A good day had by all.

Tomorrow, we will venture out to the OMI Novitiate where I spent a canonical year 17 years ago doing my novitiate. It is a beautiful property located just outside of Godfrey, IL, 300 feet up above the Mississippi River. I am excited to see the place after all these years and share with my boys about my own discernment experience. Although I did not remain with the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, they forever changed who I was and helped mature immensely. The current staff allowed us to come pay a visit and stay for lunch while the novices are away on a camping trip. We will then connect with Orin Johnson at the Belleville, IL, Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows...another OMI stronghold. I got a feeling...tomorrows' gonna be a good good day!

Day 5 (morning) - Wednesday June 30

Everyone had a great sleep last night and was ready to roll out to the St.Louis Zoo. Many positive reviews - including the fact it was free! Finding a parking spot was another story...we drove for over a mile down the road searching for a scrap of ashphalt on the street of the zoo. Fortunately, I turned around and went up the hill to discover a handicap spot and was happy to also bring my legit handicap card to use such spots.

We loved the zoo and liked the fact we went in the morning. It was HOT and the AM was the best time to walk around for 3-4hrs. Blue skies and happy animals were a great combo. The kids hit is head on from one exhibit to another.

The hippo exhibit was remarkable for the kids to see him swimming right in front of them and moving around. The penguins were "cool" in their a/c habitat and we doing the back/side strokes to impress the observers. The puffins were cool too.

All in all - there wasn't really a bad thing - and it was FREE! We spent much longer there than expected. Thank you Lord for providing this stop.

Day 4 - Tuesday June 29

Wow! What a long day of travelling. We spent almost 11 hours traveling today in the van and only a couple stops for meals, restrooms and fuel. We crossed into 3 states (Iowa, Illinois and Missouri).

Feeling a little fried and will likely take a night off here. But know we arrived safe and everyone is holding up fine. Pray for us.

Hoping to see the Cathedral, Zoo, Arch and some of the downtown sights. Eat some food.

LEGO Store,Bumper Cars and Swimming Videos

A quick look at the LEGO Store:

Kids swimming:

Bumper Cars:

Day 3 - Mobday June 28

Peter is not up to posting today so I will continue ahead.

We woke up to a good nights rest at our LaQuinta Inn after a late night of the kids fooling around and resisting sleep. We slept until we felt like waking up. Fortunately, we made it in time for the complimentary breakfast! Everyone had freshly made waffles and lots of other goodies.

We took off to the St. Paul's Cathedral (thanks to our GPS).

It was redesigned t0 resemble St. Peter's

Basilica in Rome. It was not exact, but very impressive! We did not have prayer as a family on the road, so we took it in front of the statue/altar of St. Peter. Many were in our prayers today. The kids loved the stained glass windows and the amazing dome. They even had a replica of the cathedral made out of LEGO downstairs in the welcome center.

The plan was to visit the State Capitol Building,

but the weather

started looking like rain and the practical search for a parking spot deterred us from going in. It does boast of the largest unsupported

dome in world, but we took their word for it and admired it from the

exterior. Our stomaches were growling and we left for the West Edmonton Mall rip-off, the Mall

of America.

The Mall of America was an impressive structure. As a family who really does not like shopping, we were more interested in some of the features of the mall, over the shops. Even with maps, we got lost easily. We tracked down the FoodCourt and all ate Chinese food and Peter had some fried fish.

From our lunch spot we found the LEGOLand Store - then the day was done and we could die and go to heaven (or so it seemed). We spent hours testing all the pieces and building things. They had every kit and possible package you could think of. Lori-Lou purchased out of the "bulk bins" to get all those hard to find pieces. Basically it was $14 for all you could cram into their container. We got lots into ours! Not a square millimeter to spare! The kids each bought something with their own money.

They have a huge amusement park in the center of the mall. Very pricey and lots of line ups. We let the kids pick ONE ride and leave it at that. I'm glad they lived with that and were eager to head back to the hotel for a swim in the free pool.

Everyone worked up another appetite after swimming. The water

was cold, but they quickly forgot once they were in it. In the meantime, I wandered around the lobby looking for suggestions for supper. We ended up at El Loro's where we devoured authentic Mexican food. The complentary nachos were gone in minutes! LL and I ordered some Margaritas and they were terrific! Well worth the adventure just for them. I had a taco, enchilada, and chili reino. Wonderful.

We concluded the evening with laughing at an episode of America's Funniest Videos and then into bed. Tomorrow will be a long day driving to St. Louis. Likely a good day for some fresh additions to Peter's "Roadkill Alley!"

Day 2 - Sunday June 27

Had a crazy night a The "Welcome" Home, a Redemptorist center for outreach in the downtown area of Winnipeg. It was hot and humid throughout all of Winnipeg and made for a toasty night. If it wasn't for some cross winds blowing through the windows, I wouldn't have slept at all. To those who live at the WH, it's a normal summer evening. For us visitors...wow...there was a lot of noise coming in from the streets! Many emergency vehicles, vehicles without mufflers, and people talking really LOUD. Lori-Lou even heard couple breaking up "colorfully" - in which you could easily hear for blocks. Although it appeared to be chaos outside, all was calm inside.

We arose to a sunshine and made

our way down to the Forks area along the riverfront of Winnipeg. We hit an organic bakery for a wonderful assortment of breads,

cinnamon buns, croissants and treats and watched a little World Cup Soccer for breakfast. We ventured down to the river to see huge sections flooded out by raised water levels (and plenty of

mosquitoes). Beautiful.

The day continued with the drive to the border. We lucked out with a very friendly officer who had a good time with the kids (and asked a lot of personal questions to make sure our story held). I am always nervous at the border after delays and power kicks in the past. We prepared the kids well and they did not disappoint.

We stopped for lunch and let the kids play. They played, ate, played, ate...like a relay!

Finally we arrived to Fargo for a stop at a

kids museum and park. Although limited, it seemed to be an enjoyable stop for the kids and something for each of them. We left to start a shopping expedition at their huge Wal-Mart Supercenter to pick up some odds and ends. It turns out I left my toiletries bag hanging at home in the bathroom. So, I needed to pick up the basic necessities. Dang! That store was huge. Plenty of deals, but we only grabbed what was on our list and picked up some sandwiches for the road.

We arrived in Minneapolis at our first La Quinta Inn for the trip (with many more to come). Kids were excited to stay in a hotel (since they have been in very few in recent years. They always want to jump and run! Can't tell them enough to settle down and get ready for bed.

Still unsure of what the day holds for us tomorrow. But today was a good day. Still riding high from the day before at the Shrine. If it was the only thing we experienced in Winnipeg - it was enough for us. Completely satisfied.

We conclude our day spread throughout the hotel room...finally all are asleep. Hope to sleep in a little in the morning and venture out the Mall of America at some point.

Thank you Lord for another good and safe day as a family.

Warren

Song of Blessed Vasyl

Here is the closing song from the play we were able to see on Blessed Vasyl's feast day. The quality of the video is poor due to the lighting, but the audio is fine. In the last few seconds, the lights are turned on, you can see who is singing.

Day 1 - Saturday June 26, 2010

Peter is going to do this blog today...

We (the kids) were woken up at 6:00 am. We left at approximatively 6:30 am and left the house for a McDonald's breakfast. All of us got stuffed accept John because he's sick and wasn't hungry. He just ate a fruit bar. Then we were off to Winnipeg. At around 9:00 am Dad was telling me how to calculate how long it takes to get to your destination (boring). I'd rather just watch a movie myself.

Mom started to read a Geronimo Stilton book called "Mighty Mount Kilimanjaro" and its pretty good so far. Then she stopped because nobody (accept me) was listening to the book. After that Andrew my little brother was pretending to give me communion but it was just an all-dressed Crisper's. Then Mom started to read again.

Me and Andrew started a drawing competition. Round 1 =1 point for Peter! Andrew quit because he lost in round 1. Here's what I said "your a poor sport because you quit just because you lost in round 1." We went to an Info Centre and after that we saw a dead raccoon on the road, so look for our roadkill list later on called "Roadkill Alley." There will be lots more when we reach Louisiana!

Earlier, when we went to the Info Centre, there was a giant bull. Then Dad asked Andrew to keep track of our gas expenses. Can you imagine Andrew, an 8 yr old, doing all that math? Andrew then started tickling me like a madman!

We got onto Hwy 16 way back and have been on it for a really long time. Now that its 12 noon all the kids are starving. Hungry...hungry...hungry...ahhhh!!!! We still haven't been fed. Finally, we got some big delicious sandwiches. We got to eat in Minnedosa. Yeah - we're close to Winnipeg!

In Manitoba the canola crops are in full bloom in beautiful yellow!

2:22pm. So close to Winnipeg. When we get there, I forget what we are doing, but we are going to church tonight.

2:53pm. We finally arrived in Winnipeg. Here's a joke for you: What do you win when you go to Winnipeg? You win a peg!

7:53pm. We got back in the van after going to church. We saw some awesome things in there! The best part was seeing all the things Blessed Vasyl had when he was living and seeing his resting place in the Shrine Chapel. It was amazing. Check out some of the pictures! (to be added later)

And that's the end of Day 1 of the Dungen Family Vacation.

Peter

Van's Loaded - 6am Departure (ouch)

The van is loaded, suitcases packed, GPS is updated/programmed and the Nintendo DS's are charged! Now we just have to get past the 6am departure thing. We usually don't sleep well the night before we travel...will tonight be an exception?

Will we forget anything...yup! When will we notice? About 30-45 min down the road. Oh well, isn't that always the case?

Saint Anthony - help us find everything we need (and remember it) before we depart.

St. Vitus / Archangel Raphael / St. Dymphna - pray for us us we try to have a restful night and get up on time. AMEN.

Warren

Knowing Where You're Going - Half the Battle?

Got a chance to receive Eucharist this morning and go to confession. I love how it happened. In sharing with Fr. Ivan that I was coming for morning Liturgy and a visit on Friday, via email, he shared how he had a great priests' retreat and confession was a big part of it. We agreed to see each other for the Friday morning Liturgy, but he also snuck in that he would have confession for me afterwards, unless I stated otherwise.

I have never had it quite happen the way it did - before. I smiled when I read the email and knew that it was a Divine appointment and had no resistance or feeling of judgement. I felt his excitement and joy from his own experience and an open invitation to share in it as well. Fr. Ivan, if you

are reading this, thank-you for being the forthright man you are! It was what I needed and believe I gave an honest and good confession today. I likely wouldn't have initiated it on my own, but took advantage of your invitation and was allowed to experience the grace of the sacrament at the perfect time. This helped me to "know where I've been" and set me up well to look to what's ahead.

Following reconciliation, I have a renewed sense to live life more fully without all the obstacles (sins) in the way of seeing God clearly. This helps direct me as to where I need to go - through promptings of the Holy Spirit and the renewed desires of my heart. The compass has been re-calibrated and washed clean...ready to move ahead accordingly. I am ready to embark on the "pilgrimage" road - long road - ahead.

After leaving the church I went to Future Shop and picked up a new GPS for our journey. I might know where I'm going, but new van does too. We should be able to find our way almost anywhere now! Consider it a little insurance. I believe knowing where you are - and where you are going - helps you achieve the destination. Be it confession, or a GPS, on my way!

Warren

First Stop = BLESSED VASYL VELYCHKOVSKY, BISHOP and MARTYR

The twentieth century is known as a century of martyrs. Millions of people gave up their lives for Christ. In the Soviet Union under the atheistic regime many Christians, especially Ukrainian Catholics laid down their lives rather than deny Jesus Christ and His Church.

Honoring this sacrifice, Pope John Paul II beatified a number of martyrs for the Ukrainian Catholic Church on June 27, 2001. Among the martyrs was Nicholas Charnetsky and his twenty-four Companions. They all shared their martyrdom under the Soviet regime, mostly during and after the Second W

orld War. Among the Companions was the Redemptorist Bishop, Vasyl Velychkovsky.

You can learn more about his life here.

I visited the Shrine 1.5 yrs ago during a WCACYM annual gathering in Winnipeg and was deeply touched by witness of his life. I promised to bring my family to visit and pray at the shrine, should we ever travel through. Wouldn't you know it - our first day will be in Winnipeg on the day of his FEAST!

We will join in celebrating the Divine Liturgy, community supper and a play highlighting his life. We hope to conclude the night with personal tour of the Shrine and pray as a family .

We spend the night at The Welcome Home Centre this is where the Redemptorists invite lay people to live with them in community for periods of time to experience their life and ministry. Many Ukrainian Catholic young adults from right across Canada have given a year of their lives to serve God in this mission. It is a “time out” to discern the path of one’s life and to make a difference in someone else’s life.

As we begin the first leg of our vacation, I pray that it will become a "pilgrimage" in many ways. What is a pilgrimage? Looking it up...three requisites constitute an authentic pilgrimage: 1) the belief that God responds to prayer 2) the conviction that God is present at holy sites, and 3) the desire to make a sacred journey to a holy site. People undertake pilgrimages to seek guidance for direction in life, to thank you God for favors received, to petition God for spiritual and physical favors, or to atone for sins. I think we will meet these requirements many times over as we travel as a family over the next 10,000 kms!

Warren

Where Will We Be?

For those of you inquiring about our route...

we are going through, and spending time, in:

1. Winnipeg
2. Minneapolis
3. St. Louis
4. Nashville
5. Montgomery
6. Pensacola
7. Mobile
8. Biloxi
9. New Orleans
10. Bunkie (and a bunch of Louisiana)
11. Houston
12. San Antonio
13. El Paso
14. Albuquerque
15. Denver
16. Mont Rushmore

Although our trip is packed full of friends, landmarks and fun touristy stuff - if you live on the route - let us know and we can likely connect along the way!!!

Setting Up The Blog - Here We Go!

As the Dungen family gets prepared to head out on our adventurous road trip throughout the USA, I thought it best to share a few stories and pictures with those back home (or those who wish they could travel with us) over the internet.

Although most of my connections are on Facebook.com I thought it best to create this blog and open it up to the public so they wouldn't have to join FB just for this. I will try to post the link on my FB profile simultaneously to make it simpler for those in that world. If you're not already absorbed in that online virtual reality - no worries - I created this with you in mind!

I will also say from the get-go that we have Mandalyn LaGrange house-sitting for us, since so many know that we are going away. There is a comfort knowing someone is taking care of house, cutting the grass and surfing our internet in our absence. Keep it all safe Mandalyn!