Tuesday May 12, 2009

This is the first time I met Ace (Ace of Spades), Jordan’s new calf.

After getting in the chapel rig, we enjoyed the half-hour drive from the office at Marietta to Berle industries, Lancaster.

Other rigs were also arriving when we got there.

 Gloria and Diana were anxious to experience the day.

 First job was to open the storage bins under the trailer and set up the steps.

 Gloria was in charges of bolts, wing nuts, nuts, and washers.

 Putting down the platform that serves as the first step.

The chapel is ready for visitors.

 We had plenty of time before the worship service to watch the rigs arrive.  This one – from Wisconsin – parked right in front of us.  I decided to talk to the driver and make sure he knew about our upcoming Truck Rally on June 27.  He sounded interested.

 I asked if he allowed ladies with cameras inside the sleeper.  He seemed pleased to show it to me.  It was beautiful and classy.

Behind this mirrored door is a bathroom and shower.

 10:00 a.m. and all fifteen seats in the chapel were full.  The empty one you see is mine, and Karen who sat next to me arrived just after I snapped the photo.  Her husband, John, and three youngest sons are in the back.

 Chaplain Jake Wise brought the morning meditation and his wife, Jane, led a song.  Notice that Diana and Gloria are in the living quarters because the chapel is full.

Jake held an unscheduled second service because several people seemed disappointed at missing the first one.  I understand there were seven or eight in that service.

 We took time to talk to drivers who were making sure their rig looked good.

 Those with special engines made sure the hood was open for observers to see.

 After getting hot dogs for lunch, and waiting for the parade to start, the girls entertained themselves in various ways.  Diana asked me to time her in a run to the port-a-potty at the other end.

 She was there and back in thirty seconds.  Needless to say, she did not use the port-a-potty.

 Taking pictures was another thing they did to fill their time.

 On the other side of that pretty rig was its driver making sure everything was polished.

 His daughter seemed unfazed by all the activity around her.

 Drivers love shows and talking about trucks.

We had fun watching them and visiting with many.

This rig will be carrying a wish child.  We met a few of the children, but I didn’t think about taking pictures.  One local girl whose story we follow is Hannah Garman http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/hannahgarman/mystory. She rode in one of the fire engines. 

 There were at least two trucks who carried memorial signs for the Snyders.  I told their story here. Scroll down to the beige section.

 There were many other signs that drivers displayed as they traveled in the convoy.

   ~~~

I’ll finish this story Wednesday night.