Old, older and oldest times

Watching Jerry and Augie at Lake Hopatcong.  A highlight of the trip!

Oldest:  While in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, we stopped by the Mennonite Information Center and Museum.  They have secured and installed a full-scale model of the wilderness Tabernacle God instructed Moses to erect.  The structure created a place for God to inhabit as He led His people to the Promised Land. 

A replica of what the Ark of the Covenant might have looked like

We were blessed to spend an hour with Paul, a well-aged volunteer who is still using his gift of teaching as he led us through the exhibit.  We learned a lot, we were brought closer to God, and we continue to be amazed at how complete God's plan for His people was and is.

Older:  We enjoyed driving around Lancaster County, comparing what we saw to what we see in our own Amish communities in Elkhart and LaGrange Counties.  Our observations led us to conclude that the Lancaster Amish community is wealthier and more commercial than our own.

Many, many really large farms and homes populated the county

It felt as if the Amish are being exploited, but we were assured that many of the younger generation are seeking out opportunities to profit from the huge tourist industry there.  So interesting.

We met a spinner/weaver/fiber artist in Bird In Hand, Pennsylvania.  We brought home a hank of her wool and enjoyed a prayer time with her. How cool is that?

A tour of an "authentic Amish house and farm".  We passed on this offer. :-/

Leaving Lancaster County, we left the Lincoln Highway.  Full disclosure?  We think about 55% of our Lincoln Highway trip was a bust.  There were so many small detours off Route 30 that we didn't take. 

Following a buggy as we return to the Lincoln Highway

We're decently confident that when we make our trip down the southern section of the Eastern seaboard, we will call a do-over and pick up some alternate Lincoln Highway routes.  Not bad for a first attempt, though.  It's been so much fun.  Stay tuned in Fall 2019 for the western leg of the Lincoln Highway.

Old:  One of the highlights of this entire adventure is time spent in Jerry's growing-up neighborhood.  Lake Hopatcong, New Jersey, is beautiful, large, wooded, and chock-full of childhood memories.  It was pure delight to listen and ask questions and be a part of Jerry's past.  We drove up and down hills on small roads around the lake.  We parked and looked at the beach he and his boyhood rapscallion friends inhabited (it is a private area) 

Jerry and Augie walking down the steps to the dock.

The man seated at the foot of the hill asked if we wanted to come down.  His name was Augie and he remembered Jerry's family.  They had a grand time catching up on news and acquaintances. 

Jerry went to church here when he was growing up.  It overlooks the lake!

 

 

We drove to Sparta and Jerry went back to school.

We saw Jerry's childhood home, his church, his schools, the homes of his friends, his ice cream shop, where he caught the bus to school, where he delivered papers from ages 10 - 15... up and down hill after hill after hill...  All that energy and stamina are still a part of him.

Tonight we are tucked into our camper van in Connecticut, cozy and warm, safe from the cold rain outside.  We safely, successfully, and actually quite easily made our way around the north of New York City.  We are avoiding cities.  Tomorrow is a rest day.  Maybe Sunday as well.  We have much to assimilate and file away as precious memories. 

Thanks for visiting.  God bless and keep you.