Maritime Farms in Rockport is a busy hub most days, with drivers getting gas, workers and cops getting coffee and lunch, and the Concord Coach Lines bus periodically rolling through. But when you get a crowd with balloons and a big sign milling around, you just have to stop and see what’s going on. Who would know that it was mothers and fathers and friends assembling to welcome back to the fold a local family that has been in India for 2.5 years.

And when the Perrys — Josh, Ruthie and their son — stepped down off of the bus, a loud cheer erupted from the crowd, and family ran to greet them. There were smiles, tears, gifts, even a bowl of beautiful ripe berries.

The Perrys are members of the Chestnut Street Baptist Church, and some of the congregation also turned out to welcome their fellow parishioners home.

“They are true sons and daughters of Maine,” said one man, who was waiting for the Concord bus to pull into the Camden-Rockport stop at Maritime Farms.

The Perrys grew up in Camden and attended local schools. With their son, they now do Christian relief work in India.

They are home for four months, to catch the best of summer in Maine.

Welcome home, Perrys!

Reach Editorial Director Lynda Clancy at lyndaclancy@penbaypilot.com; 207-706-6657