The First Backpacks are Onboard

You may have seen this photo of Allen, Russell, and Kelsea cruising around the U.S. in a Penske truck. Kelsea was able to share some of the specifics of the trip, to date.

Before the terrific trio joined forces and began the first leg of the backpack trip, Kelsea was able to spend a week with her family, in Washington. She flew in on the Wednesday night before Labor Day.

There was a family camping trip on the weekend prior to Labor Day. The rest of the week was spent with her family in Seattle. The most important reason behind Kelsea’s early arrival was her 4-month-old niece, Kayleigh. Kelsea hadn’t seen Kayleigh since she was a tiny, newborn in May. It’s safe to say that Kelsea will continue to earn frequent miles since she doesn’t want to go too long without spending time with her youngest relative. She has her priorities in order!

Russell and Allen flew into Seattle the day after Labor Day. They met up with Kelsea and drove north to one of the churches involved with Seattle 4 Lempira. That’s where they picked up the first backpacks of the season. They were also able to have dinner at the home of the Cooks, who are great friends of the ministry.

There was an open house for people interested in Seattle 4 Lempira, at the home of Kelsea’s parents. Kelsea said there was a good turnout, which included some people who visited Honduras in April for a bridge project, some current child sponsors, and others who wanted to learn more about the program. Allen, Russell, and Kelsea were also able to set up a table at Kelsea’s home church on Sunday.

Between doing important, but non-glamorous, tasks like buying the boxes necessary to pack up backpacks, the current participants of the backpack trip were able to do a little sightseeing. Kelsea showed Allen and Russell around her old stomping grounds in the Pacific northwest. She even took them to play a round of miniature golf.

Now, the trio is on the road. They've already covered the ground from Seattle, down through California to Phoenix, and they're partway to Colorado Springs!

As you know, there is going to be a rotation of people on this backpack trip. For the time being, Trish is at home, busily packing in preparation for her and Allen’s upcoming move to their new house. Trish, Iris, and the kids weren’t left alone, though. Some of the crew is there round-the-clock, providing top-notch security. There’s also a passel of very vocal dogs

- posted by Christi