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2025 Pacific Northwest Trip
  • JudyfromMoody
May – Jul 2025

2025 Pacific Northwest Trip

We traveled in our 2023 RAM Scope 18A out to visit our Avant retirees living in west Texas, Arizona, California, Oregon, Washington states and British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatoon provinces in Canada. Read more
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  • Trip start
    May 30, 2025
    JudyfromMoodyTraveler2025 Pacific Northwest Trip

    Tyler - Odessa

    May 28 in the United States ⋅ 🌩️ 68 °F

    It’s raining as we pulled out of our neighborhood. Good thing we loaded up the RV last night.

    We’re heading to dallas to see dad then to Midlothian to get my haircut then to Odessa. Long day.

    490 miles    Read more

  • JudyfromMoodyTraveler2025 Pacific Northwest Trip

    Odessa - Carlsbad

    May 31 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 79 °F

    We got a good night sleep at Comfort Inn.

    We found 2 letterboxes on our way to Carlsbad. One in the back parking lot of a gas station and the other in a cemetery. Fun. We had a picnic for lunch. Watched Mike Burnidge memorial service as we ate. Gained an hour.

    Walked a mile thru the Living Desert. Beautiful! Yes, we’re getting hot. Reach 95 degrees

    Camping at KOA. Nice place. We ate turkey and patty melt for dinner. Chilled out the rest of the evening.

    Watched the sunset.

    166 miles    Read more

  • JudyfromMoodyTraveler2025 Pacific Northwest Trip

    Carlsbad Caverns

    June 1 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 86 °F

    Speechless! Carlsbad Caverns. We had an excursion

    All I could think of was the words to a praise song; MAJESTY

    Majesty
    Worship His majesty

    Majesty, worship His Majesty:
    Unto Jesus be all glory, honor, and praise.

    Majesty, kingdom authority,
    Flow from His throne unto His own, His anthems raise.

    So exalt, lift up on high the name of Jesus.
    Magnify, come glorify Christ Jesus, the King.

    Majesty, worship HIs Majesty, Jesus who died, now glorified,
    King of all Kings.

    The tour was 2 hours long. We explored the Kings palace and queens quarters. Then the darkness. Total darkness.

    We had a picnic for lunch inside the van. It reached over 100 today. Walmart to fill up with gasoline. And sandwiches for supper.

    91 miles    Read more

  • JudyfromMoodyTraveler2025 Pacific Northwest Trip

    Guadeloupe National Park

    June 2 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 75 °F

    Guadalupe National Park is so under-rated. I was completely overwhelmed by the beauty. Also It’s the tallest peak in Texas.

    Earlier in the morning, we had our monthly zoom call with the Avant retirees.

    We also drove across a salt flat. Who knew that Texas had a salt flat?

    194 miles    Read more

  • JudyfromMoodyTraveler2025 Pacific Northwest Trip

    El Paso - Sahuarita, Arizona

    June 3 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 79 °F

    We took Rose P out to lunch at Julio’s. What a precious lady. She and her late husband served in Chile and Argentina then in Juarez, Mexico for many years. Now lives in assisted living in El Paso and still has a burden for the loss. She’ll be 91 this summer.

    We talked about her family, her health, her struggles and victories. She even showed us the prayer card of Phil, president of Avant, that was taped to the walk.

    As we left her apartment, Glenn mentioned that the left back tire was low. Discount Tires to the rescue! 45 minutes later, we were on our way to Arizona. A screw was the problem.

    We arrived at Janet and Dicks, just after 7pm. We stayed up talking about Moody days. Fun

    321 miles    Read more

  • JudyfromMoodyTraveler2025 Pacific Northwest Trip

    St Anthony monastery

    June 4 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 88 °F

    We had a lively visit with Janet over breakfast. I then took her for a ride in the RV.

    We left soon afterwards towards St Anthony’s monastery in Florence, AZ. Karen suggested we go there and even said she would give me $100.00. That’s a no brainer.

    The grounds were very peaceful, colorful, tranquil, relaxing and meditative.

    We had dinner with Sheri and Alan Finlayson. I served on the Moody Alumni board with Sheri. We laughed and had a great time.

    I concluded with 4 topics 1) Casa de Mundo 2) Phil O’Day 3)100.00 from Karen 4) Greek Orthodox raffle ticket

    It was a perfect night to share the meal with the Finlaysons.

    195 miles    Read more

  • JudyfromMoodyTraveler2025 Pacific Northwest Trip

    Lunch with DeSmets & Sparks

    June 5 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 97 °F

    I was on a zoom call at 6am and then did some more computer work.

    Before picking up Karen and Wally, we stopped and vacuumed the Rv. We drove to DeSmets then to the Starks retirement center for lunch. Their son Rick joined the us. We had some lovely conversations about Bolivia (Karen lived there) and of course Guatemala.

    Afterwards we visited with Rick and his wife. She lived in Tambo back in elementary years. She had precious memories of her days as an mk with New Tribes.

    We then drove to Tempe to meet the family were staying with, Scott and Denise. We have so many mutual friends.

    What an enjoyable day listening to story after story of these retirees adventures

    53 miles    Read more

  • JudyfromMoodyTraveler2025 Pacific Northwest Trip

    Azmera Summit

    June 8 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 81 °F

    For the past 2 nights, I’ve been at an Azmera Summit held for global workers, senders, adult missionary kids, church workers and ladies interested in missions. There were about 75 ladies and about 45 volunteers. We had excellent teaching by Peg Forrest (whom I’ve had at several other conferences) along with joyful singing and worship.

    On Saturday afternoon, there were workshops on member care, lament, TKC (3rd culture kid) and several others. Excellent workshops that were inspiring and helpful.

    The high in Phoenix was 108 degrees on Saturday. Just really took everything out of me. Hot H.O.T. HOoooottttt!!!

    In the meantime, the plan for Glenn was to fly from Phoenix nonstop to Wichita Kansas on Friday night. Spend the night with the Nash’s, attend Virginia Swartzendruber’s 80th birthday party and fly back on Saturday. That all changed when his Friday evening flight was cancelled completely. Instead Glenn stayed here in Phoenix and made another visit to the retiree couple, Bill and Laveta Sparks. Bill is on the last stages of Parkinson’s.    Read more

  • JudyfromMoodyTraveler2025 Pacific Northwest Trip

    San Diego Zoo Safari

    June 9 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 90 °F

    We had an enjoyable time with Karin Schmidt Knutson in her home. She prepared a special dinner followed by about 1 hour in the jacuzzi and swimming in their pool. Great conversation too!

    We drove towards San Diego to connect up with David Osborn. We had purchased sandwich supplies at the Walmart before arriving in his office parking lot. Picnic in the RV.

    Then we spent several hours at the safari park. David was able to get us in at a reduced price. Go David.

    We had supper at their home they just moved into. Beautiful home in the mountains surrounded by all these boulders.

    Then we drive south to El Cajon to stay with A candle in the window people. Full day.    Read more

  • JudyfromMoodyTraveler2025 Pacific Northwest Trip

    Raymond and Rene

    June 10 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 72 °F

    We had a leisurely morning and met up with Rene and Raymond in the next town, La Mesa, California.

    We met The Ruiz several years ago while sailing on the Mediterranean cruise and have kept in touch ever since. Their son Carlos joined us for us to stay for breakfast.

    Then we had the 2 hour drive north to where Mark and Susan live in Diamond Bar. We survived the San Diego to Los Angeles freeway traffic!

    Change of plans: because Mark was test positive for Covid, he arranged for us to stay 5 miles away in a furnished condo.

    Nice location. We needed to empty out the RV since there is a condominium code against the RV to park on the street.

    We unpacked. I made us a lunch and we settled in. Glenn drove over to the hoppers neighborhood and parked the Rv and exchanged it for a loaner vehicle that we will use for the next few days in LA

    So far we have driven 2,108 miles    Read more

  • JudyfromMoodyTraveler2025 Pacific Northwest Trip

    Visit with Stucks and Hoppers

    June 11 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 75 °F

    Wednesday was a relaxing day for us, as we leisurely got up and headed out the door by 9am. We drove to LaVerne where we found a letterbox, also went to the grocery store to buy some graham cracker pie crust for us to make the Cream cheese Yogurt parfait. We also had time for me to drop by “the Joint” to get an adjustment to my back. Back in Phoenix, I fell and my back has been in pain ever since. I’ve never been to a chiropractor but I’m thankful for the release of pain in my lower back.

    We had a lovely luncheon with Jill and Pete Stucks in their home. They had purchased some rotisserie chicken along with the rice and potatoes. Delicious. And I had made the cream cheese yogurt parfait. We thoroughly enjoyed making many connections with their rich history with Avant and the fact that Pete was born and raised in Ecuador. We talked about their challenges and their joys. Lovely couple. As we departed, I handed them a gift bag

    Glenn and I returned back to the condo to enjoy about 1 hour in the community pool. The sun had come out and the weather was just perfect. I swam 5 laps. Glenn and I quickly changed and met up with Mark and Susan Hopper. They treated us to a local Mexican restaurant. We had great conversations reliving the past when Mark was my youth director back in 1972. It was because of Mark that I am a missionary today. Thank you Mark.

    We returned back to our condo. We are thankful for the opportunity to stay here in this furnished home - to rest and recharge.    Read more

  • JudyfromMoodyTraveler2025 Pacific Northwest Trip

    McKelveys and Bolivian Friends

    June 12 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 88 °F

    We drove to Hemet, CA, about 1.5 hours from the condo. We had a very pleasant visit with Gail and Jim McKelvey. We made so many connections with their missionary experiences in Guatemala, CAM, Moody Bible Institute and mutual friends. It was a delight to hear their joys with their struggles. Jim recounted his time when the family was held up by guerillas out in the mountainous region of western Guatemala back in 1979. Jim told how they were “held up” and how he could see the guns pointed at his head. He said “Lord, I’m ready!” Miraculously he and the family escaped unharmed, yet he told this story as if it happened yesterday.

    Jim and Gail then transferred their ministry to Chimaltenango, however their hearts were still out in the villages where they served. It’s been rough years for the McKelveys yet God is so faithful. They soon relocated and have fruitful ministry here in the Los Angeles area.

    After an enchanting visit with the McKelveys we headed back towards Diamond Bar, but stopped in Riverside and had dinner with Tom and Kay Orth along with Sharon Soper. Tom and Kay lived next door to us during our first term in Bolivia (Km 6 house). Delightful couple. It was Kay’s birthday too. We shared stories of ‘old times and got caught up on their lives. Sharon also served in Bolivia for years and years, working with Mennonite Central Committee.

    Today was a wonderful day to appreciate God’s faithfulness in His Servants working on Guatemala and Bolivia. God is good.    Read more

  • JudyfromMoodyTraveler2025 Pacific Northwest Trip

    Rest Day, Hoppers & Royers

    June 13 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 66 °F

    We had a zoom called followed by another zoom call during the morning. We took an afternoon swim then headed over to the Hoppers house for grilled steaks. I drove them around the neighborhood in our RV.

    Mark was my HS youth director from Northwest Bible church in dallas back in 1973 where I went on my first missionary trip thus having love for missions. I expressed to him my appreciation for him and Jeannie in my life.

    We had a good night sleep and left Saturday morning towards Fresno, Ca where we will stay with Ken and Mary Royer.

    We stopped at In and Out and shared a hamburger. Then to “the joint” to get my back adjusted.

    We made it in time for the 2pm Ken Royer Facebook live piano recital. We attended a dinner theatre production of “1776”. Very good!    Read more

  • JudyfromMoodyTraveler2025 Pacific Northwest Trip

    Yosemite National Park

    June 16 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 72 °F

    Spent the day in Yosemite National Park with Ken and Mary Royer. Beautiful drive. Popular day as there were lines of cars waiting to enter.

    We had a nice picnic lunch.

    We drove to Mirror lake and parked with Ken’s handicap tag to enjoy the views of Half dome and El Capitan. We also purchased a pint of Chacolate brownie ice cream and shared it in the RV while watching kids play in the Mirror lake.

    Beautiful day!

    ‘So far 2784 miles from ‘Tyler, Texas    Read more

  • JudyfromMoodyTraveler2025 Pacific Northwest Trip

    Speizers and Jelly Belly Tour

    June 17 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 86 °F

    We left Fresno by 6:30 and headed up 99 towards Sacramento. We stopped several times even had a picnic breakfast at a road side park.

    We got to Speizer’s house a little early and I was able to make several changes in our Vancouver to Tyler flights in July and our routing to visit Sharon G in a suburb of Vancouver.

    We took Bob and Nancy out for lunch even though they had just finished breakfast. We talked about family, history, work and the future. We even met their cat.

    We drove the scenic route from Elk Grove to Fairfield along the Sacramento River. And actually stumbled upon the Jelly Bean museum and tour. A lady and her 2 kids paid for our entrance.

    For the next two nights we are staying with the Vogel’s, a candle in the window folks. She had a delicious dinner for us and we learned all about their 11 kids and the challenges of foster children. What a ministry!    Read more

  • JudyfromMoodyTraveler2025 Pacific Northwest Trip

    Gary and Sid in Fairfield, CA

    June 18 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 79 °F

    We had an enjoyable breakfast with our host family. Oh by the way, I think we slept 10 hours last night. Felt good. Our host family had 11 kids and over 250 foster children.

    We left for our luncheon date early so we could swing by the coffee shop and do some major emailing and routing changing of our time in Canada. I sent several emails out to folks in Canada to change our plans just a little bit. It’s all falling into place as we continue on our journey. I’m always double checking our itinerary and making sure of our arrival times in folks homes to make sure I had scheduled the right time and date. So far no problems. But with us traveling on 2July instead of 4July back to Texas, I’ve had to be creative in connecting with folks.

    We arrived at Gay and Sid’s house at exactly at 11:30am. Sid mentioned that Laura’s husband, Walter, age 60, died a month ago. I couldn’t believe it. Sad. He died of cancer of the throat. Sad. After our visit, I immediately called dad to let him and Sherrie know.

    We enjoyed watching the golfers out their back patio. It was a nice afternoon. We then drove Gay and Sid in our RV up to the Club House for lunch. They loved our new rig. Matter of fact, I think Gay would like to have one. Smiley face. Laura joined us for lunch. I expressed our sympathy to her from us and especially from Uncle John. As I was walking out with Laura, I quickly debriefed her and she shared more about his untimely death.

    I enjoyed taking fotos of everyone.

    Glenn and I then went to the mall. We thought about going to the movie, but I needed to do some more research and confirmation of other locations of our itinerary. Glenn and I did take a 15minute chair massage before we sat in Applebees and did our internet.    Read more

  • JudyfromMoodyTraveler2025 Pacific Northwest Trip

    Napa valley and CA 1

    June 19 in the United States ⋅ 🌬 55 °F

    We left Fairfield around 6.30am. We took the long way over a very mountainous road to Napa Valley. Beautiful vineyards.

    We stopped on one of the curves to have breakfast. Once we arrived in Santa Rosa, we ventured into a Mexican grocery store to stock up on food supplies.

    We had an enjoyable lunch with Tom and Mary Cooney at Omelette Express. They served many years in Guatemala.

    Santa Rosa is the home town of Charles Schultz, creator of Charlie Brown, Snoppy and Peanuts characters. All through this quaint little town are markers, statues and whatnots of these characters.

    We then drive 4 hours up California 1 hiway. Beautiful. Winding roads. Staying at a KOA camp near Manchester California. Turned cold. Dropped down to 50 degrees.    Read more

  • JudyfromMoodyTraveler2025 Pacific Northwest Trip

    Driving along PCH 1

    June 20 in the United States ⋅ 🌬 54 °F

    Wow wow wow. Beautiful, breathtaking and stunning. We stopped several times. Had a picnic in a state park overlooking the coast line.

    The red wood trees were huge. We tried to drive thru a tree but our rv was too tall. We saved $15.00. Staying at a KOA near Benbow, California. Nice location.Read more

  • JudyfromMoodyTraveler2025 Pacific Northwest Trip

    Avenue of the Giants

    June 21 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 48 °F

    After a leisure breakfast of hot oatmeal for me and cereal for Glenn, we left on California 101 and immediately started on the 34 mile drive thru these H.U.G.E. Redwood trees.

    We had a lovely picnic at a roadside picnic table right in the middle of these large bc GIANT Redwood trees.

    I had salad. Glenn had a sandwich. As we continued to drive, Glenn pulled over and started up the generator so he could make some microwave popcorn,

    We arrived at Mike and Kay’s house around 4:30pm. I was not feeling too well, so we made many pit stops.

    We did 2 loads of wash before we had a delicious spaghetti pie for dinner. As we were eating, we learned that American aircraft flew over to Iran and bomb the nuclear sites.    Read more

  • JudyfromMoodyTraveler2025 Pacific Northwest Trip

    Mike and Kay plus Skywalk

    June 22 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 59 °F

    We had a lovely Sunday church service with Mike and Kay followed by a 2 hour nap, then Mexican food for lunch.

    We drove in our RV to get gas at Costco then to the local zoo. It had a walk thru the trees that included swinging bridge. Great afternoon.

    We stopped by the grocery store to get some salad fixings for the road tomorrow then we came on home. We watched the final of the NBA ~ Oklahoma City won. We watched the first episode of “The Listening Road”

    We’ve known Mike and Kay since 1990 when we served together in Bolivia. I would flight follow for Mike when he would fly over the jungles of Bolivian the Cessna.    Read more

  • JudyfromMoodyTraveler2025 Pacific Northwest Trip

    Glamping at Last Resort Umpqua

    June 23 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 73 °F

    Took a leisurely drive north on the 101 then into Oregon. We had a nice picnic lunch again at a beautiful roadside park.

    Arrived at a Glamping spot just before 4pm. We are here for 2 nights with tomorrow heading to Crater Lake.

    We set up our “home”, played Rummycube and Kings corner before salad and yogurt for dinner. Glenn got my favorite picnic table cloth and I m are my routine salad.

    Nice accommodations. We walk 1/2 block to the showers and restrooms. The weather is nice and cool. You can hear the birds chirping and the creek waters babbling. I am happy, tired and content.

    We have a rigorous schedule starting on Wednesday for a whole week packed with a tight timeline of taking retirees out for lunch and also traveling a couple hundred miles up the coast.    Read more

  • JudyfromMoodyTraveler2025 Pacific Northwest Trip
    1

    Crater Lake

    June 24 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 55 °F

    We slept with the heater on during the night and I woke Glenn up twice to walk to the outhouse. Other than that we slept well.

    After an early morning shower, we headed towards Crater Lake. We arrived just before the 10am Crater Lake Trolley tour. Nice 2 hour tour.

    We enjoyed a picnic lunch on the side of the mountain with the back drop of Crater Lake. Majestic.

    We viewed several waterfalls on our 1 hour drive back to our Glamping site. All in all, it was a very good day.    Read more

  • JudyfromMoodyTraveler2025 Pacific Northwest Trip

    Retiree, Death and Bicyclist

    June 25 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 64 °F

    Today we visited a retiree, learned about the death of another retiree and then spent time with the guy Glenn rode his bicycle with in 1976 from Dallas to Colombia South America.

     We left the “Glamping spot” at 7:00am so we could drive back to the interstate 5, then make a stop at Walmart to pick up some groceries and fill up the gas tank then drive to Sweet Home Oregon to pick Faye.

    We had a delightful afternoon with Faye and learning more about her history in missions. She served in Bolivia the same years we were there. We started throwing out names of mutual friends within SAM and GMU. It was fun.

    We talked about blessings and challenges we both experienced while serving over seas. We also talked about aging parents.

    We then drove towards Newburg, Oregon to visit with retiree Harry J. Harry’s phone number didn’t work and I never got an email reply from trying to connect, so we thought we would just drop by and visit. The address took us to a retirement center. I got excited because then I knew we would finally find Harry.

    At the information desk, we learned that Harry doesn’t live there anymore. Then we learned that Harry had gone to live with one of his children then we learned that he had passed away a few months. Harry served many years in Ecuador and Colombia. I’m sad that we didn’t get the chance to meet, encourage and honor Harry. He lived a good life serving our Lord. I would have loved to hear his stories of serving with his wife in Latin America. I pray his family during this grieving time.

    Then we drove towards Hillsboro to spend time with Ben and Mariam. Ben and Glenn rode their 15 speed bicycles all the way from Dallas, Texas to Colombia South America back in 1976. A trip of a life time. 4 months and 5,000 miles, 1 concussion, 1 flat tires, many missionaries served and thousands of tracts handed out.. They reflected on many different adventures of people they met and places they visited back in 1976. We throughly loved reconnecting after many many years. We also talked about kids and grandkids. Ben drug out on old scrapbooks of sort of the bicycle trip. What a history book of the trip, receipts, postcards and description of their journey. Very well done.

    We even call my dad because he always is bragging about Ben Bakker and Glenn Stewart making this crazy bicycle trip.

    All in all, a rewarding, effective and encouraging day.

    Next, we checked into our “candle in the window” place about 1/2 hour away.    Read more

  • JudyfromMoodyTraveler2025 Pacific Northwest Trip

    Retiree from Austria, Costa Rica & Hdq

    June 26 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 55 °F

    Today was a full day. We drove into Portland and picked up Linda and then to Applebees. Here we were joined with the Robinson’s who served in Costa Rica and Nicaragua and the Meyers who worked at the Avant office.

    We sat around the huge restaurant table and went around and gave a report of where we all served and a little bit of how the Lord had been blessing and some challenges too. It was a nice gathering. Everyone appreciated the gift bags we gave them. And before we all left, we had a short prayer. It was a very good luncheon getting to know these retirees.

    Before heading to the Wecks home we stopped by the Bath and body work store at the mall. As I was walking out, I noted 2 of those massage chairs - yep Glenn and I enjoyed the relaxing 21 minutes for only $5.00! With it. My back was feeling a little bit better.

    We then drive over to John and Carley’s. They showed us their back yard gardens. All the pretty flowers. And taco salad for dinner.

    We returned back home to our Candle in the Window place for a good night sleep.    Read more

  • JudyfromMoodyTraveler2025 Pacific Northwest Trip

    Geri & Ken plus the Wecks

    June 27 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 66 °F

    On Friday we had lunch with Ken and Geri Paul. I first met Geri when we traveled together on PMT (summer internship) in 1977 through Central America. That was 48 years ago! Wow.

    Geri was a missionary kid from Honduras and she and I would get together and have a sweet season of prayer during our PMT days.

    I attended her wedding in 1979 in Guadalajara, Mexico. I was afraid of traveling internationally, so I asked my sister to fly with me.

    We had a nice visit recalling past visits. Back in 1982, Glenn and I flew up to enjoy a weekend with Ken and Geri bringing our infant baby Ellen. The story goes that Ellen slept all night, the following morning clear unto the afternoon, sound asleep in her infant carry seat all the while listening to Manheim steamrollers. The phrase “never wake up a sleeping baby” became a Stewart family quote.

    We later enjoyed the afternoon and evening with John and Carley.

    Saturday was REST day. Catching our breaths, relaxing, afternoon nap, YouTube and doing our wash.    Read more

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