Good-Bye La Verne!

Our 3 week project in LaVerne CA is over.  We were all very impressed with the general area, the village itself, and the local congregation.  They were so friendly, and FED us so well that it was hard to tear ourselves away.  But spring is coming to the northland, and the granddaughters need hugs (and so do the grandparents!).

We finished most of our work by Thursday morning; in time for a wonderful pasta lunch prepared by Babe (who has 30 years catering experience).  Here is Babe, on the right, along with Janice, our local materials gatherer.

Thursday evening we had our own team potluck dinner right after Pastor Linda showed us some old home movies of the construction of their wonderful sanctuary.  This building was also part of 3 other movies.  All of them tried to imitate the ending of The Graduate.  See this link  http://www.avclub.com/articles/los-angeles-the-graduate-church,56223/ for a 6 minute clip of the film details.  I especially liked the ending with Simon and Garfunkel (What have we just done?)  Our team leaders gave a nice presentation and overview of our project along with “awards” for each of us.  Bob developed a “new” way of working (laying down to paint and remove motors, etc) so got an award for this new work position.  Paige received an award for being so flexible – that was a very nice award!

 This morning, Friday, was packing and loading, and saying our final “goodbyes”.  We were on the road by 11:00, in time to stop for a late lunch at Emma Jeans Holland Burger Café in Victorville, as featured on Diners,Drive-ins, & Dives, http://www.flavortownusa.com/emma-jeans-holland-burger-cafe.aspx

With a later start, and a big lunch, we ended our day at the KOA in Needles, CA.  We can see Arizona from where we are parked.