Today we arrived back in Douglassville, PA, after over 2,000 miles of trekking to pick up, learn how to drive (and turn corners, and NOT to back up with TOAD in tow) and return.. Our home, and the two of us, were welcomed as we made a stop in Lancaster's Park City Shopping Center (BIG parking lot) by our daughter Jennifer's family (with her wife Chris, and sons Tristan and Kaream. Khalif was at Hempfield High School drumline practice) and Mona's sister Loretta and her husband Larry Crum.
They were all waiting in the FREEZING cold wind as we rolled to a stop in front of their cars. They were all there to see the new home Mona and I will be living in full time come June. And they were all there to have lunch with us at TGI Fridays, but isn't food a part of all good family gatherings?
They were welcoming us home, and our new home was made welcome. Though the latter means we will be taking our home with us and away from them all for long periods of time. Sweet and sour thoughts, as the Pennsylvania Germans say. But mostly sweet.
The internet, and unlimited phone minutes in Canada and the US make staying close together at a distance more possible than ever. And pictures, bot in our BLOGS, and on Facebook, work even stronger magic. Still, nothing says 'Welcome' like a solid hug from a loved one, and that, as any overseas deployed service person will tell you, is what makes home really home.
So we are back for four and a half months. Then we truly depart for some places we know, and many as yet unknown. Not to stay away, but to tell tales electronically of where we've been as we travel, and meet back here again at some future date, for hugs, food, friends and family.
PS: The TOAD is running like a champ. After all, she's nearly 1/3rd brand new now! And the Coach drove smoothly and well from Jacksonville FL to Baltimore MD on the busy I-95, and home from B-town even in some wind just fine.
We dropped the coach off at D & D Collision in Pottstown this evening to receive it's new basement doors and radiator grill, then we take it to our RV shop to give it a full set of LED light bulbs (they use alot less battery power), and a few other touches as we prepare it to 'dry camp / boon dock / live rent free' all over the US and Canada, between stops in campgrounds and the occasional hotel.
Now I have the last touches to put on tomorrow's sermon, and Mona has finally completed her two week mail pile. Not answering it all yet, but she made a solid dent!
-Ken
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