Family Vacation, Part 2
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2 Corinthians 13:14
Hebrews 10:25
“Family Vacation, Part 2” is episode #32 of the Adventures in Odyssey audio series. It was written and directed by Paul McCusker, and originally aired on June 25, 1988.
Summary
The Barclay family of four takes off for a Florida vacation, but they get stranded when the family car breaks down.
Plot
George jumps back before the hot water and steam can scald him. The strange man runs up and turns out to be anything but an ax murderer. He and George walk back to the station and tow in the Barclay car, which will take at least a weekend to be repaired. Chester, the strange man, invites the Barclays to come home with him. The Barclays are wary at first, but it turns out that Chester and his family are Christians, so they accept.
Chester lives in a big house with his wife, Grace, and their youngest boy, Ted, who is Jimmy's age. Ted and Jimmy hit it off immediately and, after doing a few chores, run off into the forest to play. Mary and Grace enjoy each other's company, as do George and Chester.
The next day is Sunday, and the Barclays attend a church picnic with great food, a three-legged race, horseshoes, softball, egg-tosses, and other games. Donna is the only one not having a good time. She sits and sulks under a tree, and no one can move her. Jimmy says that if all Donna is going to do is think about Odyssey, she might as well hold a piece of it. So he gives her Whit's Boredom Buster puzzle.
Donna slowly starts working on it and soon is completely engaged. After a few hours she finally figures it out, and the puzzle comes to life in a beautiful array of swirling colors, lively music, and a nice message from Whit saying that boredom is under your control. Donna finally gets the message, just in time to participate in the last event of the day — the tug-of-war. After a few good pulls, Donna ends up in the mud, followed by everyone else in her family, much to their great amusement. The next morning, Chester finishes fixing the car, and the Barclays continue on their way, knowing that their vacation has gotten off to a great start thanks to a little Christian fellowship.
Discussion Questions
- What was the meaning of Whit's message, "Boredom is under your control"?
- Why is it important for families to have fun together?
- Describe some fun times you have had with your family.
Cast
Notes
- Trivia
- This episode takes place away from Odyssey: Episodes That Take Place Away from Odyssey
- In this two-part episode, Mary Barclay is played by Maggie Malloy (the actress who plays Connie's mom). Also, these two episodes are the only time when George Barclay was not voiced by Chuck Bolte.
- Jimmy suggests using light-sabers and talks about rebel space pilots and the "evil overlords" — clearly referring to Star Wars.
- Daisy Inn is an obvious reference to the Days Inn.
- Whit's Boredom Buster plays the AIO Theme during the message.
Reviews
- Adventures in Odyssey Headquarters: Read
- At Whit's End: Read
- AIO Update: Read
Quotes
Jimmy Barclay: So we went back to Chester’s house. Of course, as soon as anything was said about food, Donna didn’t think he was an ax murderer anymore.
George Barclay: Should we try to hitch-hike, maybe?
Chester: Are you kidding? You never know what kind of lunatic will pick ya up.
Jimmy Barclay: How do you know all this stuff?
Ted: We learned about it in Sunday School. How do you know about the overlords of Ganthum, and the rebel pirates from Alpher 67?
Jimmy Barclay: Not in Sunday School, that’s for sure.
Whit's Boredom Buster: Hi, kids! I’m John Avery Whittaker and you're holding Whit’s Boredom Buster. You’ve probably spent a fair amount of time trying to figure out this little contraption, huh? Well the time you spent playing with it was time you weren’t bored. Neat, huh? And it just goes to show you that something as silly as this can be fun — if you set your mind to it. Now the Boredom Buster is going to turn off, and you should find something even more fun to do. Bye!
Donna Barclay: <after Jimmy gives her Whit’s Boredom Buster> If this is some kind of trick—
Jimmy Barclay: It isn’t. It’s Mr. Whittaker’s invention. He called it “Whit’s Boredom Buster.” He gave it to me before we left, and said not to open it until I was absolutely, without question, no doubt about it, as bored as I’ve ever been in my life. I’m not bored, but you are. Besides, if you’re gonna sit and think about Odyssey, you may as well hold a piece of it.
Jimmy Barclay: Mom and I lost the egg tossing contest. She threw it a little too hard and it hit me on the top of my head. She said it was an accident, but she was smiling and I don’t think I believe her. Donna kept pouting under the tree, and no one could get her to play any games. And then I remembered something.
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