April 2, 2011
Its a miracle – we were up, packed, loaded, out of the hotel rooms and on the road at 4:50 am! Now that’s an amazing team!!
We said a groggy farewell to Bend, Oregon and headed home. We stopped about half way for breakfast at a little cafe because the kids were so starving. There were so many of us the waitress had to recruit a customer (her sister, fortunately) to help serve. She said that we were one of the nicest groups she’s ever met. I was so proud of our kids. They really did make an awesome impression on everyone. Thank you Jesus!
We pulled into City Light with horns blasting, cheering and waving. The cars screeched to a halt and doors flung open and arms flung open wide for hugs. It was a loud, happy reunion. Flora and the City Light ladies took the vans to be cleaned out and washed for us and Sue had made an awesome lunch. We hugged and kissed good-bye, and Sophee said she just wasn’t ready for the trip to be over yet. We all were happy to be home, but ready to continue the search for great schools for our kids.
We came home with some Seattle Pacific Wannabees, a Duck, maybe a U of W future student and…some die hard Broncos. But regardless, I watched as the kids caught the vision of how great college can be and how worth it. How their future can be totally amazing and they can claim their spot not only in college, but also in the world. They are talking excitedly about scholarships, GPAs, SATs, college prep, dorm vs. off campus, and who will room with whom when they get there. They’re also expressing interest in what colleges to look at next. Of course, my dream is that one of them will go to my alma mater Westmont (which I describe as Seattle Pacific at the beach).
The first college road trip has gone from being a dream to being in the past. I checked my office, tore off the March calendar, came home, checked in with my family and looked at the yard. As I suspected when I left, spring is making its mark on the yard. There is no doubt it’s coming. The flowers are blooming. And as I had hoped – so are the kids.
To everyone who made this amazing trip possible, thanks from the bottom of my heart. Thank you Lord for watching over us. Thanks to everyone who prayed for us. I wish you could see what I saw. I was amazed and excited every day of this incredibly journey and I’m excited to keep the momentum going now that we’re home.
Jean
Director, City Light
Filed under: City Light Rescue Mission
