After the aforementioned luggage drag, we headed to the Dome, where we were able to celebrate the Eucharist with 37,000 of our friends.  The feeling of this worship was akin to the closing ceremony at the Olympics, with all kinds of elaborate stage props, performances, and celebrations of cultures, viewpoints, and gifts.

I don’t have a lot of photos, but shot plenty of video, which will again be available at a later date.  The Bishop lead a cell phone wave that began with him on stage and stretched to the third deck....and back.  Offering took 20 minutes, but I am sure it raised about a half million dollars (seriously).  Communion took place under the yellow umbrellas you see in the photo above.....and each of us was anointed and received words of blessing.

 

After the closing worship, we knew we didn’t have to board the bus until 2 p.m., so we decided that we had to hit up the Oceana just one more time....especially given our horrible “last supper” experience the night before.  Below you will find one last set of the glorious food from their menu.....

The owner LOVED us...who can blame him?  We went there three times in five days.........

Some last minute shots of New Orleans on our way to the bus:

We left New Orleans around approximately 2:30 p.m. on Sunday and began the 20 hour journey back to PA.  There was much more sleeping on the way up than on the way down, that I am sure of.  Nevertheless, I have included some rest stop moments and a special love connection:

                    Alex gets hustled into paying a $3 tip on his $8 sub in Mississippi.......

                                    Mitchell buys a six-pack......of Krispy Kremes.

On to Tennessee:

                                                       

                                                 I just wanted an Icee........

Virginia Sunrise:

West Virginia:

Getting close now:

We arrived around 11:10 a.m........

Watch ABC 27 News tonight at 5, 6, and/or 11 for more details and interviews......

Stay tuned for one more blog, in which all of our youth and I will comment on this experience and recount favorite memories.

Until then......Your favorite bus-lagged people,

Michael, Emily, Lindsay, Matt, Alex, Mitchell, and Kevin