Week 44 - PFG (Pennsylvania Family Gathering)
The emotions that arise after reminiscing about a week spent with loved ones are difficult to put into perfect words. It's the kind of warm and fuzzy feeling that arises from savoring meals around a table crowded with people who, despite not sharing blood ties, feel like family. Maybe its better described as that profound fullness that’s felt when reuniting with someone you've missed for an extended period. Ultimately there's an indescribable richness that comes from sitting with those you love, and who love you, engaging in deep conversations that delve beyond life's events and into life's emotions. This past week, joining our families in a small town in Pennsylvania, that constant warm and fuzzy feeling enveloped us.
Miles on the road can make you forget that extra special sense of wholeness that comes from being together with loved ones. Our families' support on the road has been consistently remarkable since the beginning, but that's to be expected. What's been less anticipated is the lasting feeling of unity we've experienced even when separated from our families, nurtured by the strong bonds we've formed with numerous individuals who share in the vision of traveling on a bus to serve the country.
Despite being away from our homes, we've consistently felt a sense of belonging. Our encounters with people have been transformative, leading to the development of profound friendships within a week's time. The journey has introduced us to an alternative kind of family – a nationwide community of individuals united by a shared interest in others and a deep desire to lend a helping hand. Those who closely follow our blog posts feel like a tight-knit nationwide neighborhood to us. We want to engage with this community about the future of the LOST Bus in this blog.
As our journey aboard the Lost Bus draws to a close in a mere two months, our focus turns toward finding the next trio of individuals to carry forward its legacy on the open road. The prerequisites are simple: a genuine aspiration to serve those encountered throughout our nation, and an adventurous spirit that will entertain them along the way. We trust you, our readers, to reach out to individuals within your network who may be sparked by an opportunity like this. If you know someone who fits the bill, forward them to us, and we would love to initiate a conversation.
Reach out with your references through our email: thebus@lostbus.com
Waynesboro, much like many small towns across the USA, has weathered cycles of booms and busts. However, it currently stands as a town on the rebound. Leading this charge is a group with a perfectly apropriate name: Mainstreet Waynesboro Inc. While meandering through the town at the beginning of the week, we made a pit stop at the local fire department, aiming to gain a deeper understanding of the town's rhythm. They pointed us in the direction of Mainstreet. Bill, the director, quickly welcomed us into the fold, enlisting our help in further enhancing the beautification of the downtown area. Our task was to tackle the restoration of aged doors on a building originally erected in the year 1900. Eager to serve the community in any way presented, we enthusiastically took on the challenge. However, we soon realized that additional assistance was needed. Thus, Josh and Cain enlisted the support of their mothers, boosting our effort with a dose of "mom power." (My own mother, a skilled painter, unfortunately couldn't join until later in the week, by which point our paint brushes had already been set aside.)
Before
After
Thankful for their helping hands, I’ll let the pictures speak to how acoomplishing this project felt. Instant satisfaction through pictures, but in reality the “instant” is defined as a few hours of sanding and painting.
This time spent with our families has been profoundly heartwarming, yet one remarkable individual of Cain’s family added a layer of entertainment that made it special. George Coggin, Cain's grandfather and Debbie's father, retired lawyer, tree enthusiast, and above all, a Civil War historian.
George educating Josh’s dad (John Haddad)
It's almost astonishing to consider that George Coggin, at his age of 91, is only two generations seperated from family who actively participated in the Civil War. This remarkable connection was made possible by George's father, and grandfather, who prolonged their bachelorhood well into later years before embarking into fatherhood. George's commitment to preserving family history is nothing short of commendable; he has studied letters penned by his grandfather and great uncles, to meticulously chronicle their experiences during the war. George's dedication drove him to document all his information he’s researched into a professional write-up.
This comprehensive work documents the lives of George Coggins' great uncles, Abraham and Jeremiah, who were intricately linked to the historic battles of Antietam and Gettysburg. George graciously led us on an journey, where he skillfully wove tales of these pivotal events and walked us through the very footsteps he believes his ancestors tread upon. His knowledge and insight shine, as he recounts these moments, and his quick wit adds an extra layer of entertainment to the narrative. Fortunately, his wife Carrol Coggin (fondly known as Mama Carrol) accompanied us, her enthusiasm matching George's after years of joining George in his historical research. Her unique contribution enhances the experience, seamlessly blending her own touches of spirited off-topic humor that never fails to entertain. Together, they proved to be exceptional hosts for this captivating expedition.
Expert in his arena
As our grand family reunion in Pennsylvania drew to a close, it was time for us to make our way back to Michigan and reunite with our beloved bus, a reunion that we have longed for. Recognizing the potential delays that could come with hitching rides, we opted for a comfortable White Toyota Sienna, generously provided by Avis rental cars and financed by Helen from Grant Me Hope, to expedite our journey. And so, after a fulfilling week and a half, we found ourselves once again nestled in the snug comfort of our matching sheets, resting in the welcoming embrace of our bus beds.
Temporary Wheels
We extend an immense thank you to all our supporters this week. While our bus was undergoing repairs in Holland, additional items on our checklist surfaced as it underwent service. In a bittersweet twist of timing, our fuel tank showed signs of wear and began to leak. Fortunately, it was already in the care of a mechanic, ready for resolution. With this fix, we bore the responsibility of covering the cost, and we feel blessed to have possessed the financial means to manage the $5,500 expense. Thanks to your unwavering support, we managed to keep the wheels turning on our bus. As we journey forward, we find ourselves navigating a tighter financial situation, fostering our faith that our mission will persistently be upheld by communities near and far.
Thank you for joining us on this week's journey, which proved to be quite exceptional. Once more, we eagerly anticipate engaging with our readers in the upcoming search for our next crew members. Your involvement is invaluable to us, and we eagerly await your thoughts and contributions!