March 14, 2024: Exciting, Extraordinary, EPIC!!!

YAYAYAYAYAY!!!!! Mission accomplished! We did it, folks! As of 4:38pm Eastern time yesterday, we've officially visited all 48 continental states (between the years of 2020 and 2024). The great state of Tennessee was our final remaining state, so when we crossed the border, of course we had to stop and celebrate at the Tennesse Welcome Center.

Raising a toast to our wonderful accomplishment!

Putting the last sticker onto the map

It has been such an incredible experience getting to see our Father's world in this way. We've had the opportunity to see, learn, and encounter many things that we will remember for years to come. We've been from the Pacific to the Gulf to the Atlantic, all in this trip. We've seen mountains, deserts, rainforests, and many historical sites. We've viewed starry nights where the sheer glory of the Heavens was stunning to see in an environment without light pollution. We've observed plants and animals in the wild that we never dreamed of seeing in real life; gators, coconut trees, black widow spiders, iguanas, elk, and more. We've been encouraged by meeting fellow believers around the nation and being introduced to a new style of Christian music. I don't think it would be an overstatement to say that this trip has been truly life-changing for all of us old enough to appreciate it.

The well-known lyrics of God Bless The U.S.A ring true in our adventurous journey:

From the lakes of Minnesota (How fitting, since we started in MN)

To the hills of Tennessee (Also fitting, considering TN was our final state & where I'm writing this blog from now)

Across the plains of Texas

From sea to shining sea

From Detroit down to Houston

And New York to L.A.

...I love this land

God bless the U.S.A.

Having our celebratory chocolate fondue dinner at the Welcome Center

It is hard to believe we are in the home stretch of our grand adventure in Kram-A-Lot Inn. It seems so long ago that we left the Midwest to begin living full-time on the road, and yet it also seems time has flown by while we've been busy packing a lifetime of memories into 7 short months. We are so very grateful for the opportunity God has given our family to spend precious time together journeying around this great nation. We're blessed, and we know it!

Until next time, God bless!