In the words of Ricky Ricardo, "Let me 'splain."
The Trust Gang loaded up and left for Bradenton Saturday morning to meet Simple Faith and Gulf State, our partners in POPCORN Concert-ology and while making our way there, an osprey decided to fly into the path of our bus. Fortunately, it was a very low-flying osprey so it didn't hit the windshield. A bit of touch-up paint from where its feet scratched the front driver's side ~ we're back to being as good as new. God 1 ~ Satan's Hiccups 0.
When we got to Bradenton and ready to unload, the back bay was opened up, and we were met with a strong smell of fuel and a soaked piece of carpet. That did cause some angst with Buzz and John as they worked to find the source of the fuel and then try to repair it on a Saturday afternoon while on the road. God intervened and allowed them to find some extra pieces of hose among the stash of materials we had in that bay and they were able to patch it up until we can get a more permanent repair job done. God 2 ~ Satan and his hiccups 0.
As we were setting up for the concert, we were trying to save space and use as little sound equipment as necessary. For whatever reason, our system just did not want to cooperate with our best efforts to give it a night off. With time running a bit short, we were able to go ahead and set up and get the concert started ~ even a couple minutes EARLY!!! Now then . . . God 3 ~ Satan's hiccups 0.
The concerts at both Bradenton and Lakeland were well attended and received. The kind comments and words of encouragement of those who attended were sincere and appreciated. After each concert, we rejoiced at God's evident presence with us.
On the way home, along one of those dark Florida highways, a wild boar decided he wanted to cross the road. Ladies and gentlemen, a hog is no match for a bus! In all seriousness, we realize the catastrophe that could have happened, but we also recognize God's kind hand of protection when we see it. We're blessed and thankful that as of this writing, I've heard of no serious damage to the bus. There will be a bit of cosmetic work that needs to be done, but nothing that I know of that should be very extensive. Just in case you're keeping score; God 4 ~ Satan's hiccups 0!
I will say this about the boar experience; if you're ever riding down a dark road and encounter a wild hog the way the bus did, the bang is quite loud! Some of my stories had almost put Beverly to sleep on the couch and Rhonda had already laid down for a nap in her bunk. Trust me when I say, the hog woke 'em up for the rest of the trip home!
Here are a some pictures of Buzz and John examining the bus after hitting the hog. And there are pictures at www.trustquartet.com of POPCORN Lakeland. Be sure to check 'em out!
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