Final Blog

We have been back in the US for 3 weeks, and have been so warmly and joyfully welcomed home. We are settling in to a nice duplex just north of Corvallis; it is walking distance from the boys’ school.



The last few weeks of our trip went by in a blur. I will sum up: after leaving Italy, we took a train to Lucerne, Switzerland. After the busy time in Italy, it was wonderful to have no schedule and just wander the streets of this lovely town.





Then we headed to Paris: the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Musee d’Orsay, Notre Dame and finally, Disneyland Paris.



We ended our trip with a lovely time in London with my Aunt Tiz and Uncle Jack. They live in the north end of London, close to an underground station. We became “tube” experts. We love the public transportation system of London and could get almost anywhere. My aunt had set up a wonderful schedule of traditional British activities for us to enjoy. We ice skated at the Somerset House, saw the city from the London Eye Ferris wheel, enjoyed the Dick Whittington Pantomime, were enchanted by the Terra Cotta Warriors exhibit at the incredible British Museum. We also headed out to the O2, the millennium dome, to see the King Tut exhibit. Most of all we enjoyed the time with Jack and Tiz and celebrating Christmas with my cousins and their families. We were renewed and strengthened by these relationships with family who have also become dear friends.

How to sum up a trip like this? Impossible. We are still processing and wondering what it all means. How to return to huge grocery stores and Starbucks (well, that might be OK) after such an experience? We don’t feel “called” overseas, yet are impelled to return. We wonder where and to what we are called.

Thank you all for traveling with us. Your prayers protected and encouraged us. We have been so touched by the outpouring of love for us and for Jerry’s mom. We know that we are right where we should be and that we serve a gracious and loving God.

An update on Jerry’s mom. Mary recovered well from her surgery and is starting chemotherapy treatments today, in fact, while I write. Jerry is with her now. Your continued prayers would be so appreciated. Mary has been so blessed by your prayers. Thank you.

Grace and Peace,
Cathi for all