School & Community Display | Geelong VIC
Wednesday: 26 November
A Morning at Covenant College with Bubsie
Our day began with excitement as we pulled up to Covenant College at 10:30 am sharp. After signing in at reception, we were directed to what they called “half of the CAGE” – and let me tell you, it was quite the setup! Picture an undercover soccer field enclosed by fencing, the perfect spot for our vintage car demonstration.
We carefully unpacked Bubsie from the trailer and were warmly greeted by Ben Boseley, the Head of Middle School, who introduced us to Luke. Luke became our wonderful helper for the morning, and we couldn’t have asked for better company!
Preparing for Our Young Audience
Before the students arrived, we set up safety bollards around Bubsie and tucked fliers for our afternoon event at Elia Wellness Hub into the information books. Little did we know how grateful we’d be for that CAGE cover as the day went on!
The Students Arrive
The classes began filing in, starting with the Year 8s, followed by Year 7, then Year 6, and finally the enthusiastic Year 5 students. Each group listened attentively and asked such thoughtful questions – you could see their curiosity sparkling in their eyes!
Well, the weather certainly added some adventure to our morning! As rain pattered down and the wind swirled around us, we huddled gratefully under the CAGE’s protective roof. The enthusiastic shouts and laughter from PE classes on the other side created a wonderfully lively backdrop – it felt like the whole school was buzzing with energy! We just spoke a little louder and embraced the atmosphere.
The Highlight Reel
The absolute highlight? Watching the students’ faces light up as their own teachers climbed into Bubsie! There was something delightful about seeing the teachers fumble around searching for the windscreen wipers and horn. The role reversal had everyone giggling – teachers learning from a 100-year-old car!
A Sweet Surprise
Our hearts melted when the Year 5 girls presented us with a handwritten note of appreciation for Bubsie’s owners. As they gathered around the car afterward, peppering us with questions and admiring every detail, their genuine enthusiasm reminded us exactly why we do this.
Ending on a High Note
For each class, Kevin had been starting Bubsie with the traditional crank handle – quite the spectacle in itself! But when it came time for the last class, our beloved car decided to be a bit stubborn. Kevin suspected she’d flooded.
As a thank-you gesture, Kevin offered Teacher Luke a ride. This time, he opted for the electric starter button instead, and – success! Bubsie roared to life immediately. The watching students erupted in delight as Luke and Kevin took off for a quick spin around the area. What a way to end the morning!
Off to Our Next Adventure
With smiles all around, we carefully drove Bubsie back into the trailer and set off for our afternoon appointment at the Elia Wellness Hub, held every fortnight at Norlane West Seventh-day Adventist Church.
An Afternoon of Community Connection at Elia Wellness Hub
We pulled into the Norlane West Seventh-day Adventist Church property with perfect timing for a lunch break. Once refreshed, we positioned Bubsie proudly at the front of the church by the roadside where passersby could catch a glimpse of our vintage beauty.
The wind was having quite the party that afternoon, blowing what felt like a gale! We set up our gazebo, though not for Bubsie – we tucked it in a more sheltered spot to provide cover for our guests instead. After placing safety bollards around the car, we were ready to welcome the community.
The Hub Comes Alive
What a buzz of activity! The wonderful Elia Wellness Hub team transformed the church grounds into a vibrant community space. A smoothie stall appeared at the front, alongside tables laden with fresh produce and grocery items – all free for community members to take home. Children’s areas bloomed with craft supplies and games, creating little pockets of creativity and fun.
Smoothies, Stories, and Smiles
Right at 3:00 pm, the afternoon came to life as children began streaming in for their free smoothies. The choices? A refreshing tropical blend or a sweet berry mix – both absolutely delicious and perfectly cold on a blustery day!
As parents, neighbors, and church members gathered around, we had the joy of sharing Bubsie’s incredible story with so many new faces. This after-school program truly is something special – a place where the community comes together over healthful drinks, fresh groceries, creative activities, and genuine conversation. The children clutched their Bubsie worksheets with excitement, while adults received Overlander magazines and QR cards to take home.
Laughter and Play
The grass became a bocce court where children and adults alike tried their hand at the classic game. But the star of the play area? A little red toy car that had the younger children absolutely delighted as older kids pushed them around, their giggles carrying on the wind. Pure joy!
By 5 pm, as families arrived to collect their little ones, we’d watched the smoothie van team work their magic – creating over 80 smoothies throughout the afternoon. What dedication!
A Cozy Evening Surprise
Here’s where the afternoon got even better. The local team had beautifully woven two community events together – combining our Bubsie visit with their regular Thursday evening program called “Bless Bowl,” a soup night and gathering time. What a thoughtful way to bring everyone together!
The wind decided to assert itself even more, so we wisely took down the gazebo during a quiet moment. Then came the warmth we all needed – literally! Steaming bowls of soup appeared, accompanied by fresh bread. The variety was wonderful: hearty vegetable, creamy pumpkin, and classic minestrone. Each spoonful was comfort in a bowl, exactly what the cool evening called for.
Evening Chats and Connections
As the early evening settled in, more community members wandered over, curious about our vintage companion. We continued sharing Bubsie’s journey, though eventually the conversations shifted to the natural rhythm of friends simply chatting and enjoying each other’s company. That’s when we knew it was time to start packing up.
A Special Ride Home
Bubsie cooperated beautifully, starting right up with the starter motor. We couldn’t leave without offering Tara – one of the day’s heroes who’d helped organize everything and created countless smoothies – a special ride in Bubsie to the trailer. Her smile said it all!
Reflecting on a Beautiful Day
As we prepared to leave, we noticed something lovely: the afternoon had gifted us some sunshine, the rain had stayed away, and even the wind had calmed down a bit. But the real warmth came from watching the friendships blooming throughout the community, the connections being made, and the care being shared.
We left with full hearts, deeply grateful for Michelle and Tara of the Elia Wellness Team, and for Pastors Jeremy and Hannah, whose vision and hard work made these Geelong events possible. This is what community is all about – people coming together, sharing food, stories, and smiles, creating something beautiful in the everyday.
