We Owe You an Explanation!

Good Day!

Moments before midnight, and the start of Monday, the APC Youth Mission vans rolled into the parking lot at the church. Tired, but still lively, the group slogged its way through the storms bringing the ten-day odyssey to its completion.

We owe you an explanation about the blog being quiet for the past few days. There are two simple reasons for that -- 1) wi-fi access was not handy to us; and 2) we were having too much fun!

So here's a quick summary:

Thursday -- We wrapped up our Mission experience with group pictures; then we got into the tourist mode: a quick stop at Fort Conde; a wonderful visit to the 5 Rivers environmental center where the kids got close up with some of the critters; an afternoon on the beach at Gulf Shores; and finally dinner at The Hangout - a totally cool beach place.

Friday -- We cleaned up Baytreat and then headed for a visit to the USS Alabama. After a quick stop for yours truly to get his picture taken in front of the stadium bearing the name of his boyhood idol and the true home run king -- Hank Aaron -- the group got introduced to Steak and Shake. From there, it was on the road to Memphis.

Saturday -- We spent the day at the Memphis Zoo. Then we went to see Graceland -- not the tour -- but just gawking from the road and writing on the wall. Dinner was at the Rendezvous -- truly righteous Memphis BBQ -- a legend! We drove around through the Beale Street area and then back to Idlewild Church for our final group worship.

Sunday -- We worshiped at Idlewild and then hit the road. Last days are always long, but a stop for "throwed rolls" at Lambert's in Sikeston, MO made the day memorable -- so was Connor M's lunch order -- hog jowls!

We are back in Iowa, already thinking about next year's trip. This is not the end of the blog. During the coming week, we will post more pictures, and share final thoughts about the trip.

Circle July 31 on your calendar and join us in worship to hear our stories and see more pictures. Until then, check in here for more stuff!!

Grace and Peace,
RICK and The Crew