Posts Tagged ‘All the Way Home’

Healing the Inner Wounds of War

Posted: February 16, 2016 in Uncategorized
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It is sometimes trite to repeat the obvious. But sometimes the obvious hasn’t been so obvious. One of those obvious but often missed things is this: No one ever returns from war unchanged. However well prepared, however resilient, however well duty was performed, the soul of the warrior bears the scars that every human must when put in that situation. War exacts a severe toll for those who are sent and return. And returning in all respects – mind, relationships, spirit, vocation – is the last and difficult part of the journey, the long way home. Who could possibly understand? How can I fit in here? Is there a place for me in the world now?

All the Way Home is  a Mid-Missouri organization dedicated to assisting those warriors who carry the invisible wounds of war to come all the way home. It takes a community to do that, to bring those we sent back home. As a balm against the isolation we are creating ways for these veterans to gain access to one-on-one compassionate companions, small taking circle support and events like our March 4-5 retreat, Walking Home with our Combat Veterans.It will take place at the Cedar Creek Lodge and Retreat center just outside of Columbia, Missouri. The cost of the event for veterans – which includes room, board and program – is absolutely free.

This interactive and supportive retreat will address the core issues veterans face as they make the journey home. Our special guest presenters include the Rev. Dr. John Schluep and singer/songwriter Carrie Newcomer. We will provide relaxed and unhurried time to explore the struggles and tools for continuing adjustment and transformation.

As a capstone to the weekend Carrie Newcomer will be in concert on Saturday, March 5, 7pm, in the sanctuary of Broadway Christian Church, 2601 W. Broadway. The tickets are $12 and may be purchased online, the Broadway church office during office hours or at the door.

Please consider passing the news of the retreat to veterans you may know who are struggling. You may download the Retreat brochure. Veterans may register through the All the Way Home Webpage. And promote the concert to everyone you know. The public is cordially invited.

 

Welcoming Veterans Home in Body and Soul

Posted: October 10, 2015 in Uncategorized
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We are experiencing a crisis in American culture; the inner wounding of veterans who have not been adequately welcomed home, healed and returned to a meaningful part of society. The past dozen years of multiple deployments in both Afghanistan and Iraq have resulted in deep combat stress for those who have served. American citizens, regardless of where they stand on issues of war and peace or what attitudes they hold toward the veracity of any war in particular, are detached from those they have sent on their behalf. They do not know how to really help.

One of the recent attempts to reach out to these highly at risk veterans is All the Way Home. This community of humanitarian citizens and people of faith are building networks of mentors, small healing circles and educational events to reach the public at large.

Please consider linking their site to your own and passing it on to veterans, their families and those working with them!

Addressing the Inner Wounds of War

Posted: September 28, 2015 in Uncategorized
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As the alarming statistics went public, the number of veteran suicides, many of us rose to a difficult occasion: We recognized how the society that sends veterans to places and situations where they are killed, wounded, or left with invisible wounds of the soul has little ability to welcome them all the way home. Our military does an admirable job of preparing a volunteer military to achieve their goals. But we, the ones who ultimately send, do not receive or receive well. We lack the ways and mechanisms to foster healing, reintegration and finding a new purpose after military service. It is a community challenge for which we are all responsible.

To this end we have created a network of care that we call All the Way Home. Our mission is to reach out with an equipped group of mentors, the availability of healing circles, and education for the community at large.

I encourage you to stroll through our website and also pass on to veterans, family members of veterans, those who work with veterans, and to interested people in general.

Not all wounds are visible. Thanks be to God that healing is available.