Friday - Heading South

Met at the church at 6:00 am. had a number of folks come to see us off. After a prayer and one last bathroom break, we hit the freeway at 6:30 heading south. The forecast was for rain but the day was beautiful and we only had to use windshield wipers a few times. We followed our usual routine of stopping every 2 1/2 hours or so and alternating rest areas and gas stops. It was amazing to realize how many of the rest areas we recognize as we tend to stop at the same places every year.

Lunch, of course, was at the Weed (CA) airport rest area. Not as windy as it has been sometimes and the temp was 75 so it was very pleasant. Jimmie brought out a few big bubble wands and a load of fancy bouncy balls that entertained us all for the break.

By mid-afternoon many of us dug shorts out and ditched our sweatshirts. Of course, the Californians are mostly bundled up and this evening there are complaints of being cold! All of the rest area stops involved some kind of soccer, football or frisbee game.

We arrived in Tracy (CA) at 6:00 and started a soccer circle in the parking lot. The Tracy United Methodist Church youth director called me last week and, since Friday eve is their youth meeting, we made plans for some joint activities as we've done in the past. As their kids showed up to the church, they were drawn into the soccer game until there were 25 or 30 youth and adults playing.

Karen, Candace, Jane and Robin prepped dinner. Tyler had made 30 tamales and his wife, Katie, made enchiladas so we had a feast! After dinner, the youth of both churches did a "get to know you" activity and the adults joined in for a couple games of capture the flag. We worshiped together, did some singing, Libby and Lindsay lead a devotion and experienced mission trippers shared stories of past trips. The day wound down with lights out at 10. Goal is to be on the road at 7:00 am tomorrow and back onto I-5 southbound.