Hop on the Bus, Gus
We did it.
Last month, I tried something new: I invited you to fund a mural project, painting a bus for the Siena Youth Center in Redwood City. I had no idea how this bus art project would turn out. I had to fund the full amount in two weeks or nothing.
Four days. In four days you helped to fully fund the campaign and I went to work right away. This past Saturday, we had our “bus inauguration party.” There were speeches, the bus drove up to our whoops and hollers, and then Juan offered rides around the block.
When word got out I painted a design on the roof, everyone ran to an upstairs balcony for a helicopter view.
I didn’t realize I had painted a design that made the perfect selfie shot, but this one nature breathing dragon made it all his own.
A few highlights from the project:
- Watching Rafael, the Youth Center Coordinator, light up as he described the “rivers of opportunity” that opened up for the teens as a result of the mountain biking program they had started. They used to have to caravan in cars, and now the whole group can go together in the new bus with the bike trailer behind. Their first adventure in the new bus will be a mountain biking trip near Donner Lake. It’s a good thing the artwork is designed to be “mud friendly”, maybe even “mud improved”
- Working for Sister Christina (again). There is something about her integrity, heart, and sense of possibility that brings out the best in me, and made it a pleasure to orchestrate this gift.
- Getting to know my own neighbors better. The bus was parked in front of my house while I painted it. Painting a behemoth vehicle in bright colors turns out to be a great conversation starter.
- Feeling supported and encouraged by the individuals who stepped forward to donate to this painted bus and also being able to send them tangible “thank you’s” was meaningful for me. I recruited a few capable assistants and together we made 40 “You Are Wonderful” banners for the major donors to the project. I enjoyed the crafting and sending out the love. I hope the banners have second and third lives as they get re-gifted along.
Thank you for taking this adventure with me.
With love,
