Day 6

As is our custom, it was up early on the last day to help clean the church and pack up the trailer. It was amazing to watch as teams that struggled to work together (if even slightly) on the first day, now come together to get the job done quickly and nicely. After breakfast, teams managed to finish organizing the church areas we used and by the time they were done, it was as if we had never arrived. Of course we know that we were there, and so does St. John's. Their dumpster was filled to overflowing and the pile of recyclables was pretty high.

Karl came to wish us a fond farewell and he thanked us for once again including them in the work our youth do. We reminded Karl, that if not for the wonderful support of the people of St. John's, our trip would not be nearly as successful or enjoyable. Before leaving, we planned the dates for next year's trip and then said our good byes.

Unfortunately, some of the adults could not join us on the river and had to leave. We offered a prayer for their safe travels, thanksgiving for their time with us, and then it was then off to Sparks, Nebraska and our tubing adventure down the Niobrara. The morning started out a little cooler than expected, but this did not deter us from our journey. Taking a quick picture phot to show we all began the journey, we tied tubes together to make a couple of islands and it was off we went.

There was a lot of excitement as this part of our journey began, which means lots of noise. As we traveled down the river you could hear us coming as youth sang, tube surfed, and generally had a great time. However, by the time we got to Smith Falls, the sun had still not broken through as we expected and once out of the water, the slight breeze made it feel a bit chilly. After lunch, this chilly day did not stop all of our youth from walking under and playing in the falls. Some did stay up on the deck, but most made the annual trek into the falls and got their picture at its base.

Taking a picture up on the deck, that included everyone, it was back to the river. Following a little time just having fun near the landing, it was back on the tubes for the short ride to our pick up point. As we exited the river, dragging our tubes against the current was a challenge. Mike Gearhart lost a water shoe as he slipped helping Fr. Tom pull the last island of tubes to shore. We took one more picture before getting on the bus to show we all made it and then it was back to Dryland Aquatics to change, say one last prayer together as a team, and say good bye to those heading off in different directions.

Sad to see our friends depart, we all had the long ride back home. For a time, it was somber. I am not sure if it was the departure of friends, or the fact that for the first time in a week, our youth had time to just sit and rest. Either way, the vans got quiet and people slept. Stopping in Norfolk for dinner, we made calls to let parents know what time we were returning and before we knew it, we were pulling into the parking lot to waves and smiles. Once the trailer was unloaded, we said our good byes (again) and a cry out to do this again next year, a strange quiet slowly came over the parking lot as youth headed home. Thank you Jesus for another great, and safe trip.