In the profound solitude of the night, darkness envelops me on all sides as the piercing light from my truck cuts through the inky blackness. In this realm of isolation, my only companions are the rhythmic hum of the engine and the echo of my thoughts. The highway stretches ahead, a ribbon of asphalt disappearing … Continue reading Shut up, and Pray →

Navigating the path towards seminary is a complex journey, intertwining personal aspirations with shared commitments. Emily’s support, laced with reservations, adds a layer of complexity. Her stance, urging me to honor a promise made to God and the Church, reflects a deeper understanding of the gravity of this decision.The tension arises from her absence in … Continue reading Embracing Crossroads →

The road of life, much like a bustling highway, is filled with traffic and potential hazards. In the realm of Orthodoxy, teachings about spiritual warfare and discernment of temptations serve as invaluable guides for individuals navigating the challenges and obstacles on their spiritual journey. One can draw a parallel between the frustrations encountered in construction … Continue reading Traffic and Temptations →

Marriage is often compared to a journey, a path that couples embark on together. Just as a road requires careful construction, attention, and maintenance, so too does a marriage demand deliberate effort, understanding, and commitment.Picture the initial stages of constructing a road. The ground must be prepared, leveled, and made stable. Similarly, in a marriage, … Continue reading Paving the road (for a better marriage) →

In the parable of the prodigal son, we find a narrative of love and redemption that resonates through the ages. As I reflect on my own life, there have been moments where I, too, needed to make a U-turn — both on the literal highways of my trucking journey and on the spiritual path. The … Continue reading The Prodigal’s U-Turn: A Journey of Redemption →

In the expansive solitude of Yuma, Arizona, along the nocturnal stretches of Interstate 8, a modern parable unfolded on the asphalt canvas of a desert highway. The desert night was silent, broken only by the rhythmic hum of my truck's engine as it cut through the darkness. It was in this stillness, beneath the celestial … Continue reading A “lack of” light in the Darkness →

The Bestest Ever! Not to brag, but as a kid, I held the esteemed title of the best altar server in my local Catholic church. I led the entry procession, carried the cross or a candle, and had the privilege of sitting up front with the priest. I even got to serve alongside the local … Continue reading Struggling with Humility: A Journey in Words →

Three months ago, I embarked on a pilgrimage to Kodiak Island—a transformative journey etched with indelible moments.  This is the story of what unfolded.The initial day unfolded amidst the travel hustle, soaring from Portland to Seattle, fueled by the anthems of "North to Alaska" by Johnny Horton and "Northwest Passage" by Stan Rogers. Seattle's layover … Continue reading A Spiritual Odyssey: My Pilgrimage to Alaska →

Welcome back to the Orthodox Trucker blog. I am back after a two-year hiatus. Life's highways have taken me through diverse landscapes, both literally and metaphorically. As the dust of the road settles, it's time to reconnect with this digital sanctuary and provide an overdue update on the journey so far. If you're new, welcome! … Continue reading Two Years: A Journey of Work, Pilgrimage, and Growth →

I'm boilerman on a 19th century steam train. I'm shoveling coal as fast as I can into the boiler, trying to get the flames red hot in order to produce more steam. The wheels are spinning as fast as they can, and I'm barreling down the tracks. If I look out the window, I'll see … Continue reading The Boilerman →