Unpacking

After 2 months, 10,500 miles, 22 states, almost 2 non-US countries (we regrettably skipped our northern neighbor), and the many experiences with friends, family, and God's amazing providence, we have returned safely home, praise God! We were able to connect with many friends and family, spend time together, and share the news of our hoped move to Japan in the near future.

Here's a shot of our route, beginning on June 23rd and ending August 20th.

The "Copeland Clan 2025 Roadtrip" has been completed.

Of the two months, everyone has their own favorite moments. Visiting friends and family were definitely the highlight for all of us (although I'm sure the three older kids would say Six Flags was up there at the top, being their first amusement park!). One in particular stood out for me as well: We got to visit Minidoka, Idaho, a fairly desolate area, but which had a special moment for us.

Upon entering the visitor center, we got to watch the documentary of the history of this location as a concentration camp for Japanese Americans, and hear first-hand testimonies of the experience. Afterwards the kids had to use the bathroom, and upon exiting, a NPS worker who wasn't there previously was standing at the entrance door.

I began talking to the woman, who was Japanese herself, sharing that we were on a two-month roadtrip, specifically for connecting with family and friends before potentially serving long term in rural Japan as missionaries. Like most people, I think she was a little surprised at the thought of tent camping with 6 young children for nearly two months, as well as the aspiration to serve cross-culturally in Japan with a large family, but agreed that for the elderly in rural Japan, younger children might bring joy.

In the parking lot near the watchtower, we prayed as a family for God to open the hearts of the Japanese and bring forgiveness, both to them and from them, mending brokenness and revealing His love.

When asked if she was a believer, she said that although she attended a catholic school growing up, she never really connected with any religion. When she asked where we were from, and I said "Oregon, south of Portland." She asked "what city?" So I let her know we were from a city called Tualatin. Rarely do people ask for a specific city after they hear 'Portland.' To our surprise, she happened to have grown up in Tualatin!

I told her that I don't believe in coincidences. She said she didn't either. At that, I told her that Jesus loves her. A simple but life-transforming message. And someone who happens to be from her very own hometown was brought all the way to her, in a desolate area, to show that He sees, knows and loves her. That is God at work.

Replica of the Minidoka Watchtower

Our final pack up @ Katchess Lake