Howdy from Intercourse, PA!
June 12, 2008 –
A big howdy from Intercourse, PA. You heard me right. The people of Intercourse seem to be able to say the name without smirking, but I feel like my Mom will wash my mouth out with soap if I say it. It is a nice town, and in fact, the town scene in the movie The Witness, was filmed here.
We had a great time in Des Moines, IA, although the weather was crazy. Out of the four nights we were there, we had severe thunderstorms and tornado warnings on three of those nights.
Actually, our host evacuated us from our RV on Thursday night. For a little while it got kind of scary, but it amounted to nothing but some rain and wind.
We were all relieved to leave the state, and I’m afraid I have to disagree with Kevin Costner—-Iowa is NOT heaven.
Today we’ll drive to Philly, PA and set up for our second to last homeschool convention. We’re hoping to see a few of the sites in the city of ‘brotherly shove’ like the Betsy Ross home and the place Washington crossed the Delaware.
Here are a few non-exciting photos from Interco…you know, and the pool at the campground.
Thanks for praying for us,
Heidi in PA
Jun 12, 10:50 AM
Great pics! And, for the record, even us PA natives find that name a bit hard to say! LOL
Mark in Florida
Jun 12, 11:14 AM
Hey, Todd. We Floridians were just there last week! We were camping Washington DC, and drove up to dutch country to look around. Lots of horse and buggy action up there! We ate at a great buffet called Dienner’s (http://dienners.com/) near Ronks/Lancaster, PA, just a few miles from Intercourse. I recommend it for a family man and his family — all my kids loved it, prices are low, and you get unlimited desserts! What more could you ask!
Wilbur in San Salvador
Jun 12, 11:58 AM
If my geography serves.
I recall that Interc….., PA is on the way to Paradise, PA, right?
Have a great day!
Ron in Illinois
Jun 12, 01:13 PM
I hope you enjoy your time in my old stompin ground. I’m actually from Gordonville, which is halfway between Intercourse and Paradise (it’s true and exactly the way my wife likes to tell it when asked where I’m from). What can I say? Co-workers at the office supply store in Lancaster actually saw Harrison when he came to town. Many memories.
Rob In OH
Jun 12, 02:01 PM
Mark, you may have just bankrupted Dienner’s. If all of us homeschoolers with large families show up for those unlimited deserts they are in trouble.
Paul in Northwest Iowa
Jun 12, 09:34 PM
Todd, your messages in Des Moines were great. You should have stayed in Iowa a couple more days and experienced the flooding of the Cedar River. 500 homes were flooded and 1,000 homes and businesses are currently without power. You can Google “Floods in Waverly, IA” for some pics.
Dan from New Mexico
Jun 13, 03:32 AM
I was baptized in Lancaster. Closest I’ve ever got to intercourse or paradise.
Deana in IN
Jun 13, 10:41 AM
How can you guys complain?
You’ve been everywhere!
What a family road trip!
You ‘da family!
Doug in Georgia
Jun 13, 01:55 PM
Thanks for the reminder in your latest email. I have been blowing it a lot lately — stress of work with a reorganization and new leadership. I wish I could leave that stuff at work, but I work from home. Thanks for all you do! God Bless,
-Doug
Mom
Jun 13, 06:09 PM
You’re right, Todd—-remember “the secret things are the secret things”—-You’re a great, normal Dad, we think.
Keith in NM
Jun 14, 02:32 AM
My wife and I just got back from a date where we were discussing whether Interc.. really is on the way to Parad… since we’re pretty sure we’re having #10 next February. You can probably guess that we love children, but it doesn’t make it any easier to tell people (even our parents). I think you know what I mean—we’re thinking about shouting it from the car when we leave their house. :)
Beth in NJ
Jun 14, 10:59 AM
Are you guys going to the Witness Festival in Quarryville, PA today?
It should be great and my hubby is singing with “Amazing Grace-The Musical” check it out and say hi if you can pull yourself away from Interco… Bless you & Happy Dad’s Day!
-Beth
Gene in PA
Jun 14, 08:44 PM
Hey Todd! Thanks so much for your challenging and encouraging words at the SEARCH conference today! The church today is dropping the ball when it comes to teaching men to be the spiritual leaders in their homes. Thanks for helping to pick up the slack! Lord bless!
Paul in Ohio
Jun 15, 10:08 PM
I’d like some research from you on how the town got that name! Thanks
Dan in PA
Jun 16, 10:57 AM
Todd- Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!! GREAT Speaks at SEARCH!!!!!!
Val in PA
Jun 17, 03:46 PM
Intercourse…….The town used to be called Cross Keys – not sure why they changed it. We lived there for a few years. Cute little place! I miss it. Thanks for your words of encouragment.
Matt at Boston Children's Hospital
Jun 17, 05:07 PM
I often read your message and get a laugh at your situations. It was an uplifting message at a time of trial for me and my wife. We are waiting for my daughter as she has surgery to remove both kidneys. We do have times when we blow it as dads but I would not trade the blessing of my daughter for anything. My charge by God is to raise my children in his word and most importantly witness to them.
Enjoy your stay in PA. I lived and worked there for a few years before I moved back to New York. In BlueBall there is a great buffet called Shady Maple. You will be amazed. Go hungry.
Enjoy.
Matt
Ethan in PA
Jun 17, 08:28 PM
Hey you were stompin in my backyard :-) We locals have quite a few jokes involving the names of our towns but I won’t share them here
Have phun in philly