Patrick Schmidt has managed to turn an International 3800 Church Bus into a ’70s living room. Schmidt found bus number 5 or “Big Blue” as it is called through a sale website. The bus was in good condition as it mostly stood over the years, except the few trips it was used for. Before he bought it, one of the drivers who had driven the bus for the church showed him how to operate it.
Of course, the renovation cost quite a lot of money but this transformation was definitely worthwhile.Talking about numbers, the bus itself cost $4,500. Schmidt had to spend three months and extra $9,000 in order to turn the school bus into a fully equipped mobile home with all the necessary appliances, as well as a shower, a sink and a toilet. In addition, he paid $400 for the solar panels he installed across the roof, $400 for a mattress and $2,000 to hook up the electricity.
What really moved this brilliant man was the reaction of the people who had used this bus in the past. Schmidt has received messages on twitter, IMGUR and comments on the Instagram pictures from members of the church as well as from wives of the former bus drivers. They all wanted to express their joy for the fact that the bus they had connected with happy memories from the past had been renovated and, in some way, had been brought back to life. Children that used the bus in the past have sent him messages filled with nostalgia from the time they would ride on it.
After the bus was fully renovated, Schmidt started a 10,000-mile journey from California to Florida, traveling through 30 states. He still manages to pay the bills by doing different kinds of jobs.
As far as his future plans are concerned, Schmidt has stated: “My plans are to stay in Florida until March, then most likely find my way back slowly to Vegas, and up to Seattle to live again for a while. Find some land to park on. That’s kind of the life I’ve imagined for myself. Ride around, travel, find temporary work, and see where to go from there”.
Based on his inspiration, Patrick Schmidt has been able to create the ideal home and make his dream come true.
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