Sitting here typing with my Seattle Coffee plopped next to me, feeling a bit sad because today marks the end of our journey out west. Nancy, Annie, the ASD Goonies and I have left our imprints in this vast wilderness. Reflecting back to the events that have lead up to today, I am amazed how fast theses ten days went. From the three hours sitting on the runway of Newark’s airport to the sun rays poking through the clouds on Cannon Beach warming Haystack Rock (Goonie Rock). Laughing as I remember holding a pan full of buffalo chips as we sat at the end of the Oregon Trail. Who would have thought that buffalo chips would be a tourist’s attraction?

We have met some real ugly fish, fat sea lions, and now I can add to this group of uglies some real ugly people that settled Seattle and walked the Oregon Trail. I have learned to appreciate toilets and the invention of the bathtub.

“Appreciation” is a word that is imprinted into my vocabulary on this whole trip. I have learned to appreciate these teenagers. My perception of teenagers has been restored. These kids have been wonderful. Their motivation to learn, to absorb, to adjust, to apply, has touched me. Their ability to be patient is to be commended as they waited for us as we did our morning OCD routine before we got out the door. I appreciate their teachers that have invested their time and whole self into education these kids. I have seen so much sharing and love on this trip that I can say that I am proud to be part of this educational process. Nancy and Annie definitely put their whole heart and soul into teaching, with the spirit of excellence.  

I have learned to appreciate the beauty of this country we call home; the tall mountains with their snow caps on; the cold waters, which line this Pacific Coast; and the ever changing diverse world we live in. Our children will inherit this earth and after this trip I feel that these children will have a good understanding as to what work lies ahead of them to preserve this beautiful country of ours.

YES, I have even learned to appreciate the real ugly fish and the big, fat, and lazy sea lions too.
 
I am grateful to Washington School for the Deaf for allowing us to stay in this beautiful facility. Their hospitality is truly appreciated. I am thankful to ASD for allowing us to venture out and become “out of the box” learners. By having this hands-on adventure we have all benefited from this experience. Thank you God for this impressionable learning journey and Seattle’s Best Coffee

Barbara French
Super Bus Driver
Seattle’s Best Coffee Drinker.
Goonie.