Day 32: Final Engagements

WE MADE IT! This (Oct. 19th) is the last day before we start our journey home. We spent the morning in the motel doing one last sorting and packing for the trip home. Rain was heavy off and on all day and evening. We drove to the church in Tacoma where we met with the other 4 missionary families and the NWSOM Committee for lunch. We spent a couple of hours after that debriefing. We shared ideas, suggestions, etc. It was fun to be able to share stories with the others who had traveled a similar route as we had. "Did you drive the Oregon coast? Did you see Crater Lake? Wasn't the preacher at that church an encourager?"

Soon it was time for the closing prayer circle. We were the first ones out the door, since we were the odd ones out with still one more speaking engagement. We drove for over an hour in pouring rain and Seattle rush hour traffic! As soon as we arrived at Mountlake Terrace Christian Church, we were warmly received by a family on the missions team. We set up the display and headed for a Chinese restaurant where we met another team member. As soon as we had shared our fortune cookie messages, we returned to the church for the evening service.

One bright spot in this particular evening was the presence of Phil's Uncle John and Aunt Helen Casey. Also attending the presentation was their son Allen and his wife Lauree and daughter Stephanie. John and Helen are known widely on the West coast, so it was a nice visit around the snack table at church. We were blessed to stay the evening with Allen and his family. He is a pharmaceutical research scientist and she is a pharmaceutical rep supervisor for Bayer. Emilee enjoyed the "slumber party" with her cousin. After a WONDERFUL breakfast, we were sent on our way by 9:00 to drive the 3 day trip home!
What a trip! So many memories made, blessings shared, friends made and nature enjoyed. But we are READY TO BE HOME!

Signing off for now for the Caseys,

Susan

PS - First picture above is of Brad & Lisa (Woolsey) Box (see yesterday's blog)
Second picture is part of the NWSOM committee at the evaluation closing meeting
Third picture is Uncle John & Aunt Helen
Fourth picture is us with John, Helen, Allen, Lauree & Stephanie Casey