Ready
to embark on the last leg of our homeward bound journey, we departed Effingham,
Illinois at 7:30 am. We presented our bus driver, William, with tip money as
our thanks for a safe and wonderful bus ride. He has been an awesome coach
driver!! Marietta shared a quote with us as we started this last day of
traveling. After being with each other for 12 days, we had become like a mini
Kansas family, and each had made lasting memories. So Marietta shared a quote
with us from Dr. Suess. The quote read, “Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile
because it happened.” As we drive home, many emotions fill the bus. Some are
excited to get home, some are just tired of being on the bus, and some don’t
want to leave their new friends. Lots of laughter and chatter is heard throughout
the bus, a far cry from the day we loaded the bus when not many knew each
other. Some of the kids are found playing cards, some sleeping, some watching a
movie, and others just enjoying each other’s company. Our first stop was
Boonville, Missouri, where we said our goodbyes to our Missourian delegate,
Mikayla. Some of the kids enjoyed some Russell Stovers at this stop. Many
cheers were heard when we crossed the state line into Kansas! Along the way to
our final stop in Salina, we stopped in Topeka, where we said goodbye to 15 of
our delegates, and many tears were shed. At a Manhattan rest stop, we said
goodbye to 5 more delegates, where we tested our tear ducts some more. The rest
of the delegates unloaded at Salina, where even more tears, hugs, and contact
information was shared. At the end of this trip, each delegate had a special to
share. Setting out on this trip 12 days, ago, one would have never thought of
the impact this trip could have, or the memories they would make to last a
lifetime!
With love,
Marissa Bland
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