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Goshen Pre-HOP

September 6-9, 2007

It’s amazing how much knowledge we gained from the HOP in Goshen, IN. The Amish are an amazing people. Their lifestyle is so different from the average American, but what a wonderful life they lead. We are used to our rush, rush everywhere world, and then we see these simple people with their slow demeanor moving through life without, seemingly, having a care in the world. But yet we see just how hard they work to establish a beautiful home and life for their family. We had the feeling more than once that it might be great to try their way of life, to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, to hitch up your wagon and meander down the back roads. This is not to say they don’t work very hard for what they have; they do. I think one would like to try their lifestyle for a day, week, or maybe longer. Our guides were wonderful in explaining all there is to know about the Amish existence.

And how about Notre Dame?  Breathtaking in a word!!! Photo opportunities galore, and we all had a chance to see what today’s college life is all about.  The rain held off right until lunch time, so we enjoyed our lunch with many of the college students.  The afternoon was spent touring the RV Hall of Fame and several different RV factories.  Each bus went to a different RV factory: Travel Supreme, Monaco, and Mandalay.   

Those of you who did not attend this wonderful pre-Escapade HOP missed a great opportunity to experience the Amish community from the perspective of Amish guides and locals, as well as tours of Notre Dame given by college students, something you only get when touring Notre Dame as a group.  We bonded as a group, made new friends, and took away a piece of the Amish lifestyle we’ll forever hold in our hearts.