Pennsylvania's Pull: Sacrifice, History, and Discovery

Over three years of full-time RVing, Pennsylvania kept pulling us back—not once, not twice, but three times. Each visit deepened our appreciation for its green mountains, quiet lakes, and historic towns. There’s something about Pennsylvania that feels both grounding and full of discovery.

Join me as I share what made it so memorable for us.

Our First PA Stay: Two Mile Run County Park

Our introduction to Pennsylvania came with a bit of drama. On our way to Two Mile Run County Park in Oil Creek, the GPS led us down a narrow, tree-lined road that felt like a natural tunnel.

The branches kept getting lower, and the road seemed to shrink as we went. By the time we saw a man outside his home, we were relieved to stop and confirm we weren’t hopelessly lost.

He reassured us we were on track, and thankfully, the park turned out to be as peaceful as the drive was nerve-wracking.

Round Two: Shawnee State Park and Historic Bedford

For our second visit, we stayed at Shawnee State Park. Full hookups and a beautiful lake made it a comfortable stop, but it was the deer wandering through camp and the nearby town of Bedford that made it unforgettable.

Bedford’s history goes back to the French and Indian War, and its downtown feels like stepping into another time (we got to explore this area with RaeMa and Pop on our Triple Crown Tour).

One of our favorite stops was the Peppercorn Market, not just for its unique cheeses and spreads, but for the history of the building itself, which dates to 1758. If you’re lucky, the clerk might show you around the back and share some stories.

We also explored the quirky and the classic: Gravity Hill, where cars supposedly roll uphill. Though it didn’t quite work for us (operator error, perhaps?) The area’s covered bridges were a special touch.

Nearby, the Omni Bedford Springs Resort, established in 1806, added a touch of luxury to the area. With its renowned spa, golf course, and fine dining, it’s a destination in its own right.

One of the most striking places in the area is the Flight 93 National Memorial. We arrived late in the day, but even with limited time, the experience was powerful.

The site honors the 40 passengers and crew members of United Flight 93, who gave their lives to prevent greater tragedy. It’s a place that stays with you long after you leave.

Third Time’s a Charm: Seven Points Campground and Harrisburg

Our third visit brought us to Seven Points Campground in Hesston. The drive in was steep enough to keep us on edge (we later discovered a longer, less intimidating route for the way out), but the campground itself was worth it. The lake was perfect for paddleboarding and fishing, and the whole area felt like an escape.

One day, our daughter asked to plan the itinerary, and we let her take the reins. She chose Harrisburg, Pennsylvania’s capital, and put together a day that had a little something for us all.

We started at the State Museum of Pennsylvania, where exhibits covered everything from natural history to the state’s industrial past.

Afterward, we wandered through Midtown Scholar Bookstore, a sprawling, multi-level treasure trove of books. Watching her lose herself among the shelves made the whole day.

Pennsylvania’s Lasting Impression

Every visit to Pennsylvania gave us something unique—a lesson, a memory, or a moment of peace. It’s a state that reveals its beauty quietly, with a depth that lingers in your heart long after you’ve left. Perhaps that’s why we kept returning.

One of our most profound experiences was at the Flight 93 National Memorial, where we came face-to-face with the power of sacrificial love. In the face of unimaginable fear, 40 ordinary people made an extraordinary choice—to give their lives to save countless others. Their actions, though heroic, were deeply humbling.

Standing on that sacred ground, I couldn’t help but reflect: Do I truly understand what it means to lay down my life for someone else? Am I living in a way that reflects the selflessness Christ modeled for me? And when faced with fear or uncertainty, do I trust God enough to act boldly in love, even if it costs me everything?

The memorial doesn’t just commemorate their bravery; it challenges us to live differently. Love, as they demonstrated, isn’t passive. It’s active, intentional, and often costly. It’s a call to step beyond ourselves, to serve, protect, and sacrifice for others—even when it’s hard.

1 John 3:16:

“This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.”

Reflection and Application

This verse connects the vertical—God’s love for us through Christ’s ultimate sacrifice—with the horizontal, our call to love others in practical, selfless ways.

It’s not just a lofty ideal; it’s a daily challenge to live as Jesus lived, showing love through action, even when it’s inconvenient or costly.

Oswald Chambers – “The greatest test of our spiritual life is not in the big things we do, but in the little things, in our willingness to sacrifice our personal desires and plans.”

Know your enemy because he knows you, and where he wants you is comfortable. 

Comfortable is a place focused on self, following Jesus is the opposite—sacrificing self, stepping into the unknown, and embracing a life of purpose beyond personal ease.

And that is better because it leads to true freedom, deeper joy, and a life that reflects the love and grace of Christ.

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

We praise you for your sacrifice and love. Help us to resist the pull of comfort and self-focus. Give us the courage to follow You, even when it requires sacrifice. Strengthen our hearts to embrace the life You’ve called us to, trusting that in surrendering our own will, we find true joy and purpose in You. 

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

I would love to hear your thoughts and experiences, feel free to leave a comment below. 

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