Some Final Thoughts

We have been home for nearly a week. We've had time to unpack, do the laundry, put up some Christmas decorations, reconnect with friends and neighbors, as well as winterize and store the van.

As we've re-entered life in Oregon, the images of the past four month have played in our heads--the beauty, the people, the conversations.



Every day, we feel incredibly blessed, and we thank God for . . .

. . . Grace of protection and safety along the way. 15,030 miles. 36 states. Remote and sometimes dangerous roads. Busy roads. Confusing roads. We had no accidents. No breakdowns. Just a few minor mechanical issues. No serious health issues. No broken bones.

. . . The glimpses of grace in Creation. The beauty we've seen. 25 national parks. Fall foliage. Oceans. Lakes. Rivers. Mountains. Hills. Deserts. Sunsets. Sunrises. Rainbows. Waterfalls. Breathtaking vistas. History.

. . . Gracing us with friends. More than 180 people from all phases of our lives. Some have known us since we were children. Some we have known since they were children. Some we had not seen for more than 45 years. We could trace the line of God's grace. They inspired us with their faith and courage. For those who opened your homes and hearts to us along the way, thank you. In the time we spent together, we tasted again the joy, passion, and love that made us friends.

. . . The insights we've gained. The importance of being, not just doing. Faithfulness in adversity. Joy in the journey. Answers to prayer. Living one day at a time. Being open to the unexpected. Seeing God in the serendipities.

. . . Bringing us home. Oregon. Opportunities to serve. Our church. Our neighbors. Our friends.

We are so grateful. For the four months that we were on the road, God's mercies and grace truly were new every morning.

Thanks for following our blog and sharing this amazing and wonderful journey with us.