Our Bus Exposes the Best in Us

Exposure doesn't really come with positive vibes these days. As we head into week 14 of our bus conversion a lot has been exposed. 

What comes to mind? Rust? Mold? Leaks? Critters? Electrical wires? These are all things that have the potential to become exposed during a bus conversion. Luckily, we did not find mold. Phew. We did however find rust, leaks, ants, and lots of wires.

In week 1 of our conversion we completely tore our bus apart. We ripped things off walls. We tugged and pulled. We cut things and threw them off the bus. We kicked stuff too. It felt good. Not to kick things, but to strip the bus down. We immediately realized the water damage. The bus was previously owned by a transportation company. The bus probably would've gone years without proper care. It's amazing what can be covered up. We spent an entire week treating the rust, which come to find out, wasn't that big of a deal. Seems pretty normal for buses these days, especially older ones. It was a tedious job, but fairly easy. Goodbye rust. In addition, we had some ants, but nothing major. 

So at this point, week 14, we are learning more about the electrical system. That's what gave me the idea for this post. We traced wires and figured out which one went where and why. We'll be doing that for the next few weeks along with other things. 

As we exposed the bones of the bus we started feeling good. It feels like we are making it better. Getting rid of all the nasty. Along the way, we're even making our best attempt at recycling the materials we aren't going to reuse.

In the process we also felt something else. Looking at those wires made us feel like we were learning so much. Mostly me (Stephanie) because my wife Sarah knows so much. She is the brains of this operation. As a former teacher it's really neat for me to see how differently we learn. Working together can have it's frustrations, but you learn to work better together. Or at least you hope so. This conversion has exposed the best of us. 

My point is that the conversion process is about so much more than the build itself. It builds you. You learn new skills. You gain more confidence. You learn to trust the process of trial and error (if there is such a thing). You worry less. At least I do. It has exposed a lot of my true character. 

If you look at our website in depth you'll find some info about my personal blog. Or you can just visit it here: From An Airplane Window. Why does this matter? It matters because my personal story has a lot to do with our decision to convert a bus. And if you read my story than you'll know what I mean about true character. This bus conversion is building me back up, to my true self. 

We are excited to discover what else this adventure holds for us. This is the kind of exposure we want in life. 

How has your bus conversion exposed the best of you?