I can't believe it's over

There was so much training and anticipation for the week and now it's completed. I learned so much about teamwork and how important it is to say "thank you" and pitch in even a small amount. All of the crew were a Godsend (emphasis on the capital G). There couldn't have been a better crew chief in Nanette with her leadership and organizational skills and the ever present, though quietly wise cracking Gene. The stories they will tell for a lifetime. And Mary with her ginger remedy for upset stomachs. Jimi & Tom were awesome as van drivers for the red team. Although I didn't see Art and Cori much as the white team van drivers, I know they worked just as hard to get us across the country.

As I begin to reflect I am understanding that in a team, by making the other person successful, every individual ends up more successful. It doesn't matter if one van made it through the small town, both vans had to make it in order to move forward efficiently. I agree with Phil that the tougher times become a blur and enjoyable times become more apparent. I wish I had taken more pictures. But many times all I could think of was getting ready to ride while in the van, trying to hurry to get to lay down (because sleep came rarely), or preparing for an exchange. The camera added one more piece of technology (besides the phone, the walkie talkie, the non-functional GPS, and the route book...all going at one time).

I thank God that we all stayed safe and had great weather and were able to see the country the way we did. "Oh Beautiful for Spacious Skies" really came to life and it was fun singing it in the van with Jimi and Nancy (more than once).