UPDATE (June 7th): we are back on the road again, very tired but mobile and with a working vehicle. The repairs cost a fair bit more than we had hoped, and the more complicated-than-expected work took all day Monday… but they got us out the door by closing time, which enabled us to get a few hours down the road. We are very grateful for God’s sustaining grace in all of these things.
Well, the usual posts from our summer travel series have been titled The Long Way ‘Round… mostly because by summer’s end, the US map we keep updating is going to show we traveled around the country basically from one side to the other. However, yesterday our travels hit a small snag… hence the earlier-than-usual next edition with the new name.
Yesterday, we were midway through a three-day journey from Sioux Falls, SD to Newport, WA when our Suburban suddenly started complaining. When the vehicle put itself into ‘limp mode,’ we pulled over at a gas station to check out an engine code, and realized that it needed to be looked at by a mechanic. However, everyone nearby was closed for the holiday weekend… and the single available AAA tow truck was delayed by high-wind thunderstorms and hail (seriously!) until the shop another town over was closed for the weekend. Suddenly, our Sunday night arrival with family in Washington was being cancelled in favor of an unplanned two night stay in Montana!
God is already providing for us – our hotel expenses have been covered, and a quiet restful day (with some pool time) hasn’t been wasted. When the mechanic re-opens Monday morning, we’ll learn what it’s going to take to get us back on the road… hopefully in relatively short order. Through it all, God has kept us encouraged and satisfied in His sufficiency: this wasn’t our plan, and we would have loved to spend Monday with our Greenslade family instead of on the road. However, our hearts are encouraged to know His plans are best, and we are at peace as we wait for Him to make His purposes known for this unplanned ‘side quest.’
Your prayer for our continued rest in God’s goodness during this ‘interruption’ (from our limited point of view!) is appreciated. Please pray as well for our kids, including Elayne – who had particular plans with dear friends she has now missed. Our mechanic tells us our odds of being back on the road tomorrow are very high – please pray for a clear and correct diagnosis of the issue(s), an easy and complete repair, and God’s continued provision for all of the needed logistics and details.
Poor Elayne, she was so excited. I’m glad you had a pool at the hotel!
It was a real disappointment for her… but God is working in her life, and I trust using even this to bring her along with Him. We hope there’s a way she can at least see her friend when we get out of here… we’ll see; the Lord knows!
You continue to trust God and are exactly where he wants you to be so enjoy the wait.
Sounds like a great plan! =D
Those unexpected delays in our plans can create frustration. Yet it sounds like you are staying focused on “true north” and the plans and purposes of your loving heavenly Father. You are right where you are planned to be and in the palm of his hands. Sending love and hugs to you all.
Thank you, Aunt Linda… and ours sent back your way as well! God is good, and we are grateful to be in His care.
Thought of you while we were visiting Chae a couple weeks ago – I trust you guys are at rest in the Lord, too, and enjoying this new season He’s brought into your lives. Much love!
Thank heavens God has a plan and will carry it out for you.
Wonder what He has protected you from by this delay. PTL
Praying for you and loving you, Grammie
Love you always, Gram! We may never know this side of heaven what the purpose for this was, but we do know our God – I am content. =)
Continuing to pray.
Blessings
Ron
MAY THE HOLY SPIRIT MAKE GOOD COME FROM YOUR DELAY.
AND BLESS YOUR JOURNEY WHEREVER HE TAKES YOU.
CONTINUED HEALTH AND WELL-BEING.
HUGZ TO ALL MICHÉL
Thanks for your encouragement, Michel – we know our days are in God’s hands, and trust His good purposes. Thank you for praying for us!
Thank you, Ron – always, ALWAYS appreciated.