Independence Day weekend in the other corner of Pennsylvania

Last Saturday, as I traveled from our nation's capital to Pittsburgh, I was flooded with emotions. One of them was relief. I wasn't sure if I would even get a seat on the bus. The Greyhound station in DC was wall-to-wall. I was relieved to have purchased a ticket just ten minutes before the bus departed.

If any of you have traveled long distances by bus, you shouldn't be surprised by my next emotion--boredom. Seven hours on a Greyhound bus is enough to make anyone crazy. Still, I couldn't complain that much. There were people heading to Columbus and even Chicago! I wish my iPod could have held a charge for more than two hours, though. I used to be able to listen to it throughout the whole trip. Now, I have to use it sparingly. Although, even the iPod couldn't have saved me from the discomfort of my lovely neighbor across the aisle who put his feet up on my seat/shoulder and fell asleep. The guy looked like he hadn't slept in days, so I adjusted my position and didn't confront him. It was pretty hard to like him at that moment, though. Oh, the people you meet when riding Greyhound...

The other emotion I had was an American feeling. It probably had something to do with traveling on the country's main bus line, Greyhound. Of course I was also wearing my Nationals 'DC' cap with the American flag on the front. Plus, Washington, D.C. was the point of origin. Then at a stop in Hagerstown, MD, we poured into McDonald's in droves for lunch/dinner. What better place to go for a taste of America than to visit the golden arches. Even though I could count the number of times I had had McDonald's within the past year on my hand, I was too hungry to pass it up. Then naturally we had the sumptuous aroma of Mickie D's on the bus. Ah yes, nothing like the sweet smell of America. It brings a whole new meaning to "freedom fries".

Skyline of Pittsburgh from the Westin Hotel

I finally arrived in Pittsburgh and all thoughts about Independence Day subsided. I was overwhelmed by other emotions. Seeing my family and friends at the CoB Annual Conference reminded me that seven measly hours on a bus, enduring unruly passengers and dead iPods is totally worth the trip. I got to see people from nearly every stage of my life--childhood, adolescence, college, BVS, the Dominican Republic, and today. The next five days were great. I thoroughly enjoyed spending time with so many friends, old and new. Being at PNC Park to watch the Phillies blow a lead and ultimately fall to the Pirates didn't upset me that much since I was there in good company--Dad, Uncle Rod, and my cousin, Ben. But seriously, how could the Phillies lose on July 4th? That should be illegal. Philadelphia is the cradle of liberty. Why couldn't they get a free pass. The theme for this year's AC was "Taking Jesus Seriously". It felt great to be a part of the community of faith gathered in Pittsburgh.

There is something wonderful about being part of a body, unit, or group. It makes you feel included, respected, and loved. The challenge we face now, as always, is how do we bring that feeling and energy into our daily lives back home. It's renewing to be surrounded by people who really like you and care for your well-being, but what about when you go back to where others don't seem to feel that way.

I'm reminded of Jerry Seinfeld's mother, "Not like you? How could anyone not like you?" Not saying that I have crazy Joe Devola after me, but the reality is, not everyone is going to like us. One thing I know I need to work on is liking the unlikable and caring for those that despise me. Easier said than done. I have a hard enough time caring for the people in my life that I love. Nevertheless, it's something to work on. I'm purposely leaving this blog unfinished. Instead of "the jury's out on this one", it's "Jerry's out on this one"--Jury is how Aunt Joan always pronounces my name, being from Delaware County Pennsylvania. Also, the pun is a tribute to Uncle Rod. I combined the two of them to arrive at the title for this blog. My commitment this time around is to actually keep this blog for longer than two months. I know you'll all be taking odds against me.

Skyline of Pittsburgh from just outside PNC Park