In the spring of 1990 Brian set out to spend one year alone in the wilderness. It was to be his rite of initiation, the cutting of his ties to this world so he might belong to God completely. His hope was to learn the ancient skill of survival, understand the wisdom of the wilderness then return to the Yupik Eskimo youth and begin a program that integrated the wilderness and a relationship with God. Little did he know that God was to choose a wilderness far more foreboding than the forests of the Northwest to bring him to my masculine soul. Even more daunting was the fact that he would wander through this wilderness for over twenty-one years. This is his journey of becoming an initiated man of God: the descent into dark places, the facing of shadow, the embracing of the wounded boy and the awakening of the primal energies of God. It was a quest which demanded that he face darkness within and without, which was the gateway to the most profound spiritual experience of his 28 year journey with God. "It is not often that we find rugged masculinity and vulnerable spirituality in the same book. They are both here in abundance. Read this book, and be both fed and freed " Fr. Richard Rohr, O.F.M. Center for Action and Contemplation Albuquerque, New Mexico Founder of Men as Learners and Elders (MALEs) "Your work is a fascinating, deeply personal, fiercely honest, intriguing work of passion for God and men's work - something that has had my heart on fire since 2008 when I first read Wild at Heart by John Eldredge. It has inspired me in many ways." John Fontaine, Kentucky "This book is on par with Abbey, Thoreau, and Ted Kerasote, except that the spiritual realm is the center of the journey." Bill, Michigan "As a woman reviewer, I can also say I deeply related to many of the issues Brian wrestled with God over, and felt many of the same feelings Brian struggled with. It blessed me in the reading of it." Julie, Michigan"