So as our rag tag caravan made our way out of Toledo to New Jersey in the early morning hours, we were excited to be heading to home but anxious about the drive ahead.  It was a long journey that all too often was delayed by road construction throughout the majority of Interstate 80-East. But state by state we progressed onward. And finally we crossed into New Jersey via the Delaware Water Gap. Crossing over the final state border was a morale building event. We were almost home, but as the distance was short the traffic was intense. I almost forgot what driving in NJ meant until we turned onto Rte 287 and inched ever closer to home.  But despite our traffic woes, we were all excited to be back in the Garden State.

Final departure from Liz’s house was touching. Tears were shed as luggage made its way out of the vans and into familiar waiting cars. I know that I’ll never forget this group and all that we have been through. Success to us! Success to our IOWA Disaster Recovery Service Trip!