Agatha the Reluctant: Battling Mold, Rust, and a Possibly Haunted RV

March 21, 2025

Donna Castillo-Garcia RN, BSN

Executive Director GRBB

Being deeply intrenched in her own form of trauma, we have given Agatha a theme song.

Week 2 of work on the Bridge Builders ICT mobile office is swiftly approaching its conclusion, and I find myself reflecting on the emotional rollercoaster that this journey has been. It's like a theme park ride, but instead of screaming with joy, I'm screaming at the universe, "Why me?" The challenges we are facing are not merely physical but also deeply psychological. Each day brings new trials that test our resolve and patience—kind of like trying to assemble IKEA furniture without the instructions, but with more grease and fewer Allen wrenches.

When cleaning turns into an art form: creating masterpieces of mess to conquer chaos!

According to my extensive research (which mainly consisted of watching DIY disaster videos on YouTube), this type of damage isn't uncommon on a Class C vehicle like this one, especially considering its age. It’s like finding out your favorite vintage jeans have a hole in them—classic but not exactly desirable. However, what I have yet to encounter in my exploration of similar projects is the level of extensive damage we are grappling with. It’s like the vehicle decided to audition for a role in a horror movie: “The Return of the Rusty Screech.” To make matters worse, the previous attempts at repair have only made things worse—like putting a Band-Aid on a shark bite. Who knew fixing a mobile office could feel like trying to solve a Rubik's Cube blindfolded?

Looks like this wall decided it wanted a bit more fresh air! Time for a redecoration, or maybe a new hobby in interior demolition?

Transforming this mobile office into something that looks like it might actually be livable has taken so much effort, we could have probably solved world hunger instead. But here we are, stuck trying to fix not just the damage, but also the questionable DIY repairs that were made before we arrived. It’s like peeling an onion, except instead of tears, we’re just left with more layers of foam and silicone that seem to have been applied by someone who thought they were decorating a cake. Each time we pry off a layer, it’s like a surprise party for hidden issues—except nobody wants to be invited, and the gifts are all broken. It’s a never-ending cycle of “Oh great, what now?” at every turn!

When they said it was a "fixer-upper," I didn't think they meant I'd need a semester of architecture and a coffee IV!

Agatha's Resistance

The name of comic book witch and infamous anti-hero Agatha, seems fitting for this vehicle. More than just the physical labor involved, I’m starting to suspect that Agatha might be possessed, haunted, or simply reluctant to undergo the rehabilitation process we’re attempting. After all, who wouldn’t hesitate about getting a makeover from a group of amateurs? It feels as though she has a will of her own, resisting our efforts at every turn—much like our chosen Amy Winehouse theme song, stubbornly refusing rehab.

This week alone has been filled with a series of unfortunate events that could rival a slapstick comedy. A drill fell from its resting place and struck me, leaving me with a busted lip—just what I needed for my next Zoom meeting. Then, my respirator unexpectedly snapped back, resulting in a black eye; I guess Agatha wanted to give me a new look. On top of that, I’ve accumulated an array of bruises, scrapes, and scratches of varying severity all over my body, making me resemble a walking Jackson Pollock painting.

Experience the ultimate open-air concept: where the ceiling disappeared faster than the last slice of pizza, and the panoramic views come with a free breeze!

The Toll of Transformation

So here we are, questioning whether we can truly pull this off. Is it too late to call in an exorcist? Or at least a contractor who knows what they’re doing? At this point, I’m half-expecting Agatha to start levitating or whispering sweet nothings in a language I can’t comprehend. But hey, if we survive this ordeal, we’ll have one heck of a story to tell—assuming we live to tell it!

Attempting a DIY mission: not quite a jack of all trades, definitely not a master of RV renovation!

The physical toll of this project is becoming increasingly apparent, but let’s face it, we’re not backing down! Each time we pull off a panel or piece of furniture, it feels like we’ve conquered a mini mountain—only to find out there’s a whole range of new challenges waiting for us. But fear not! With every obstacle, we’re sharpening our skills and building our team spirit. So, let’s rally together, channel our inner superheroes, and tackle these challenges head-on. We’ve got the strength, the resilience, and a vision to transform Agatha into the mobile office of our dreams. Onward and upward!

Expansive vistas—perfect for contemplating life choices, like why you decided to renovate a vehicle.

The Saga of Agatha: A Comedy of Errors

Ah, Agatha—our beloved witch on wheels, with more quirks than a whole season of sitcom characters. Every time we think we’ve figured her out, she throws us a plot twist that would make even the best screenwriters green with envy. As we navigate through her myriad of challenges, we are reminded that every setback is just an opportunity for a good laugh. It’s like Agatha’s way of keeping us on our toes—but fear not, dear readers! Our spirits remain high, fueled by hope and an alarming amount of caffeine.

Join Us for the Next Episode!

So, will we conquer Agatha’s challenges, or will she continue to thwart our efforts? Will we eventually find that elusive “sweet spot” where everything works perfectly, or will we be left scratching our heads and laughing at our own misadventures? One thing is for sure: the next chapter of our adventure is bound to be filled with more humor, unexpected twists, and the unwavering tenacity that fuels our mission! Buckle up, because this ride is just getting started!