The Journey(s)

In the spring of 2000, Bob Lud first became aware of Emily Bergman. Lud had been teaching and studying in Notre Dame's Alliance for Catholic Education for the past year, while Emily was just beginning her experience with ACE. Bob was immediately taken by her. Though Emily did not share his initial enthusiasm, she did remain in contact with him after Lud's failed attempts to court her. As Lud tells it, the Spirit conspired to bring these two together, despite their geographic separation (Kansas City and Los Angeles) and the discrepancy in their attractions for each other. This was arranged by way of a month long road trip in the summer of 2002 where the two checked out of the world and into each other.

What happened as the road trip approached, began, progressed, and was ultimately described to others is best expressed in narrative form, complete with many images and a dope soundtrack. Serendipity, synchronicity, and most especially faith, are the constant companions of both Lud and Emily's story and the way in which this interpretation, The Trip There, has been created.

Many brilliant individuals, stretching out to complete a wide web of grace, helped cultivate and proclaim this story. They are all witnesses of the work - the work of the Spirit - which blazes the unlikely trail leading to the individuals becoming the one. These excellent people, along with the wisdom of Bob and Emily and the intuitive rhythm of Brendan Bayliss' score, help pose and ponder the question, "What is the Spirit?" They follow:

PJ Lud Bob's brother, Bait Salesman	"I don't subscribe to that whole God thing........yet......but it's like, I just feel it". - On Metaphysics
Mama Lud Bob's Mother, Sage	"I hear him say things that I feel." - On Bob
Aaron Dunne Close friend, Physician	"Sometimes she asks the perfect question, that just gets right to the heart of it...." - On Emily
Chiara LudFriend, Advertising Guru	"When you go on a trip like that, you have the opportunity to give all of these fixed things up, for example neither was at their house, they were in a car going to new places. They didn't really know each other's habits It removes layers. In choosing to do this, they were engaging their spirits. " - On the Open Road
The Chilean LudFriend, Design King	"I"m not gonna say it's hard to see some magick in it...." - On Reluctant Acknowledgment
Dave Lud Lud's Brother, Real Estate Tycoon	"Nobody knew who he was, what he wanted, or what he was doing. It came together a little bit when he got married, but when he became a dad is when it all came together. He's happy. He's as happy as anyone I know." - On Fatherhood, from the perspective of Brotherhood
Tony DeSapio ACEFriend, ACE Innovator	"Bob is really a guy that wears his heart on his sleeve....." - On Human Transparency
Amanda Bergman Emily's Sister, Student	"Who is this Bob character?" "Emily is inspirational to me!!!.....!!!" - On Young, yet protective, Sisterhood
Anthony Holter LudFriend, PhD, New Father	"More like Cuteny.....!" - On Feminism
Kathy Steinlage AceFriend, ACE QueenPin	"He never got any of the girls, like Roach, and it caused 100% of his depression." - On Roach
Migs LudFriend, Agent Provacateur	"I am a fantastic minivan driver." - On Transportation
Mike Earley AceFriend, Addiction Specialist, Educator	"People don't want to do things that are risky, or, scary, or religious. Because society doesn't think that's cool. But you know you felt something once, and you need to replicate it. The experience of the Spirit is a pleasurable one! It's exciting!" - On everyday transcendence
Mama Bergman Emily's Mother	"I would consider it a compliment if people would compare me to Emily." - On realized Motherhood
Roach LudFriend, GeekPhilosopher	"If you can speak out loud, about your doubts and fears, good things result..." - On the importance of Pink Floyd in a modern male's upbringing
Suzie Growney Lud's Sister, Mother	"He's got all these friends, that are so smart, and he's smart, and they just get together and talk about all this stuff and just be SMART! And it's so cool." - On finally-looking-up-to-your-brother Younger Sisterhood
Terry Bergman Emily's Father, Safety Specialist	"I did feel that it was a bit of an impulsive choice....but I was more worried about the car!" - On classic Fatherhood
Katie Earley YouthSavior	"...talking about The Spirt makes me think about the energy in the room at Bob and Emily's wedding reception. It was amazing." - On Celebration
ACE Nexus	The ACE Leadership Program is a 26-month degree program, a Master of Arts in Educational Administration, which prepares committed and talented leaders to serve as Catholic school administrators. - On Immersive Learning