We spent three lovely days with our friends Lamar, Tamy, and Malik Gore in West Deptford, NJ. We went on walks, played air hockey, joined them at Bible study, and went to ice cream twice! We saw a few of Tamy’s friends from church and their children. Sarah was one. It was fun seeing the chickens that had just joined her family the night before we came. Schylie was able to give her a lot of tips. Another friend was Nicole and her son Boaz. We enjoyed talking about things like big families (she is pregnant with #2 and hopes to have 10) and healthy living, raising godly children and also helpful books on the topic. The fire Wednesday night and s’mores was delightful and we also enjoyed other restful times of fellowship and delicious meals. We miss you all already!!
We left Thursday around 10:30 heading to the O’ Connors house in Putnam, CT. I do not have fond memories of driving that day. I think the Lord protected us from at least 6 accidents over about 70 miles in north NJ and the Manhattan area. James had told me to take the Tappan Zee Bridge. Long story but I think my dear husband knows me so well and I learned I really should have listened.
We arrived around 4:00 and had to make introductions. It had been 6 years since we had seen them! All the children had changed so much. We had planned to stay for one night and get home on Friday. But after the children had enjoyed about 5 hours together they asked if we could stay for one more night. We did! What a wonderful time of indoor and outdoor games, making short videos, food, and getting to know each other, making sweet long time friendships. Their ages are: Abby 19, Sarah 16, Paul 15, Peter 13, and Anna 11. The six older child are either married or have moved away. It was so nice that Terri and I were able to spend a lot of time together while we shopped, prepared meals, or walked the neighborhood. Her husband Pat was working so we didn’t see much of him but enjoyed our short visits. We hope to connect with them later this year, especially when the boys come home. 🙂
Saturday morning came too fast and since Schylie had a 10:30 appointment in Cambridge about her malaria medicine, we planned to leave at 9:00. Paul made a delicious breakfast, gingerbread oatmeal. Yum! We had a hard time saying goodbye and finally left at 9:25. Schylie’s appointment was short and we got on the road at about 10:45. We were headed to the Marcels to pick up Sandy’s two ferrets and say hi to Joe and Ellis. We had to take everything out of the suburban and put the cages in and then repack the sub. Everything fit except the cooler and the bike hitch. Joe said they would bring them on Sunday. What a sweet reunion for Sandy! She really missed them.
Aly Marcel was working at her job about 2 minutes away so we stopped by Sally’s Selections Consignment Shop to say hi. We missed Ellen but would see her on Sunday.
Anticipation rose as we approached the Sagamore bridge. Boy were we ready to be home after 78 days (11 weeks)! Home sweet home!! We arrived at 2:20 and were greeted by River and our cat Zoe.
A few stats of our travels:
442 road kills counted, approx. 13,375 miles driven, drove through and visited 27 states, ate 5 meals at Subway, 2 meals at Chik fil A, met up with the guys 3 times, stayed in 4 hotels, stayed at one Air B&B, stayed in 19 different homes/families, one car break down in South Dakota ($450), witnessed one car accident while breaking to avoid it, resulting in needing an alignment ($94), and many trips to Starbucks!!
Here are some pictures:
Thank you for your prayers during our travels. We had a lovely vacation, but we are so happy to be home. 🙂 Stay tuned for further posts from the guys as they make their way home!
Signing off…
