Wrapping up time away

Thursday, July 9, 2026
After the two morning sessions, we enjoy lunch and conversation. 

In the early sessions, we discuss 2 questions per day.

There is much wisdom in the room; we are privileged to learn as each group shares their observations.

Jan and I laugh - we could be sisters. We've known each other for almost 40 years. (Somehow, neither of us is looking at the camera for the photo.) We have a good time when we meet up.

W and I drive to a nearby city to film a short clip for partners before running errands in town. We don't get back until late afternoon. Supper conversation is lively and interesting. So many people do good things with their God-given talents: it's fun to hear what they're up to.

I spend hours sorting the questions that have come in and finish writing/organizing responses about 10:15PM, just before W comes in from the evening session (someone else speaking) and the after-conversations. The grandkids have my $5 coupon for the snack shack, where they're volunteering in the late evenings.

Friday
The grandkids clean their rooms before the family leaves camp after breakfast. Their fan club drops by to see if they can come out and play. Nope, sorry kids, already gone.

They make it back to Seattle by evening. The Gorge's Wild Horses sculpture overlooks the Gorge as travelers pass by on the freeway.

Meanwhile, for W & me, it's a Q&A day in both meetings. We field questions on theology and praxis, with good input from participants. What an amazing opportunity we've had, meeting with leaders and friends to discuss spiritual life. 

We give away our flowers, sit down for one last lunch, clean the cabin, and lock up. It's 2:30PM before we leave the campground. One last look, on the road down to the river.

W returns the golf cart he putted around in to the office. Its use is complimentary for speakers. I've needed more movement, so never rode in it or drove it. It's been useful for hauling his computer and gear.

We take the northern route through Idaho into Washington State, instead of the I-90 freeway. I drive the first hours, passing several trains with over 100 box cars, tankers, or container cars.

The highway winds through mountains, past rivers, and alongside acres of grassland and crops. The area draws hardy outdoor-lovers and artists, as well as loggers and ranchers.

We meet up with Mitch and Keelee in Newport. Keelee has baked two coffeecakes for me to take home. They're comfort food when I'm in Bandung - small squares that are dense, flavorful, and a taste of friendship.  We feast together at a new Indian restaurant.

We cross miles and miles of farmland as the sun goes down. Large farm silos store grain; barns are filling with hay.

W has arranged an overnight stay in Moses Lake, 2 1/2 hours away. We slide into bed exhausted but happy. We're a mere 3 1/2 hours from Seattle.

Saturday

After a sound night's sleep, I'm ready to hit the road by 7. Instead, we putter and eat a leisurely breakfast. It's another hour-and-a-half before we get in the car. My dad used to get everyone up at 4 or 5AM to start a road trip across Canada. I'm still in "GO" mode when I wake with a long drive ahead.

After hours of flat farms, the Coastal Mountains appear. The gorgeous peaks are ridged with pines and firs.

We're home before noon. Food is put away into fridge and freezer. The main event today is to start packing for our return trip. What goes into the suitcases is not always what you'd expect. Books, yes. Shoes to replace the ones we've worn out hiking, yes. A few favorite snacks, of course. 

But there are always odds and ends, useful in Bandung but no longer used in Seattle.I emptied a few dozen spice jars in the days between the CA conference and our trip to Montana. I pad those with bubble wrap and tuck them into luggage. Hope they make it. We are bringing back a robot vacuum our daughter doesn't use. (Ooooh, good for those big tile floors at the Project!) I'm hoping to cram in another sofa slipcover. Clothing is jammed between everything else.

W AirDrops some photos to me, a reminder that another part of our story has been written and stored in our memories.

Sunday
We enjoy time with the Cedar Park community in Kenmore. Lynne leads worship; Zach presents a message of hope. Some elderly folks have brought their support dog, who is quiet and calm all morning.

We head for Thai food, calling Kim and Wes who live nearby. Hurrah hurrah, they're willing to meet - and the food is excellent. We remember to take a photo just before we head out of the parking lot.

We do more packing before supper with the grand/kids. The sun is warm, the pizza is delicious and there's enough left over for breakfast tomorrow. They avoid being in public photos, so we don't bother with that. Two grands are off to youth meetings while the rest of us head back. More packing ...

Monday
We have a good sleep, hurrah. Something we don't take for granted on travels. The warmed-up pizza hits the spot, as do 20oz mugs of tea. The WPPRs get another call in before I leave the time zones. Laundry and cleaning, checklists and chores. That's the typical last day in one spot.

We head to the airport and home tonight so it's time to close the suitcases. We leave the frozen goods until the end - squish, sit on luggage to close zippers, and sigh with relief when it's done. China Airline allows 23 kg/50.7 lbs. Every ounce counts! when you're leaving for an extended time.

Read more:
* You must therefore be careful to do as the LORD your God has commanded you; you shall not turn to the right or to the left. Deuteronomy 5:32

* One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?”

“The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 

There is no commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:28-31

* Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will my servant be also. John 12:26

Moravian Prayer: Lord, we strive each day to be your humble servants. Servanthood can be difficult, and many times it feels impossible to us. In those moments, increase our faith, even to the point of giving our lives to you. Amen.