Near the End

Near the Edge
Originally uploaded by brccarizona.

After finishing breakfast we made sure that we got all our food for lunch back in the vans along with the rest of our luggage (as much as we would like to ditch half our luggage at this point!) After yesterday's shopping run we all have lots of trinkets and collectables that we are packing for our families, supporters and of course ourselves. :-) We finally figured out how to pack all of our "stuff" into the vans and headed out from our lodge. We couldn't just leave though, we had to make a last shopping run and bathroom break at the Mazwik cafeteria. We all unloaded and marched ourselves back for another shot at becoming more broke than before. Most were able to find some wonderful items of value and significance. We then emptied all parties from the restroom and headed away from the lodge area. We made a final stop at the rim for a glance at the Grand Canyon during full light. The spot was great with a good panoramic view and a lower ledge that most were willing to venture for the sake of excitement and a good photo op. We even saw a few hats that previous climbers had lost by getting to close to the edge. At that point we decided that we would just concentrate on our group photo and hit the road. Poor Dan M wasn't feeling well at all so he stayed in the van. We think he had food poisoning. (Note: he is feeling better now and is heading to bed, happy that we are on our way home tomorrow) When we were finished with our last photo shoot and glance at the beautiful wonders of our Savior we loaded back up and got onto the road. We prepared ourselves for a long ride back to Phoenix. The winding roads slowly led to the straight and narrow highway by which we were able to hit cruising speeds (of 55 miles per hour or so) :-) and really cover some distance. About 12:30 pm we stopped to get gas and some ice for our lunch-time drinks. Across the street we saw the Flinstones cafe and lodge. (maybe we will stay there next year (JK)) We drove and drove some more until we hit a rest stop about 15 miles north of Flagstaff. Lunch was served a-la-picnic-table and we munched away. The guys and girls sat at separate tables and engaged in unforgettable conversations (don't ask though) until they were physically stuffed with food and emotionally stuffed with memories. We cleaned up and picked up shop once again heading for Phoenix. We made it back to the Southwest Indian Ministry Center around 5:15 in time to find the temperature at 118 Fahrenheit!!!!! Wow!!!! Faith had a great idea to fry an egg on the pavement. After a little toil we located an egg and went to task. We found soon that frying an egg on pavement doesn't work quite as easily as in the movies. At least Faith had the opportunity to try it after four years. It was worth the wait. The Andrews family arrives soon after with homemade Indian fry bread tacos, yummy. We ate and talked about the day's adventure. The Andrews family stuck around to engage us in some recap and debriefing asking us what our most difficult moments were as well as the items we were most thankful for. Each member had a turn to share as we partnered in tears and laughs. Gifts were exchanged between the Andrews family and our team before we said our final goodbyes. It was bitter sweet for all. Next year can't come fast enough but at the same time we are all ready for a break. The evening was filled with t-shirt writing, the cup game, van washing, and 7/11 slurpee run. We are getting ready to call it quits for the night right now at 11:00 pm our time. Wake up call is around 5:00 am as we head back to the airport and off to meet all of our families and support crew. Many thanks to all who made this trip possible. We are ready and waiting to share with you all our memories, funny stories and lessons that God has taught to us through this journey of faith. God Bless you and don't forget to pray for clear skies, no flight delays and lots of sleep on the airplane. We love you and miss you all.

PJ-52