Friday late afternoon we finally took off for the beach with J’s family. We were cruising along; I was driving as J was reading for his grad class. The kids were riding well and we were hoping to make it to Columbia before stopping for dinner.
Then I saw it.
The white smoke.
Ten seconds later I had whipped that van off the interstate, up an exit ramp and to a gas station all without burning up the transmission or losing power. J & I piled out- him calling AAA and me calling some of our closet friends and asking if they would mind us spending the night at their house spontaneously? Geoff jumped in the car to rescue us from the side of the gas station parking lot and Bren started calling around hunting for pack n plays. I mean if we had to be stranded somewhere, our best friends’ house is a pretty good place.
We hadn’t been at the gas station in Newberry, SC for 10 minutes when we hear “Hey Caskeys!” Some friends from Furman were on their own way to the beach and had randomly decided to get off at that exit to calm their screaming baby. Thank you Lord. We had of course pulled off at an exit with no fast food and it was past dinner time. So my Jonathan went with friend Jonathan to get us food while Christina and her SIL (and sweet baby!) stayed and helped me with the kids.
Geoff rescued us, Bren found beds for all of us and we had a fun night with some of our oldest friends in the world. It was actually really fun. The next day was spent moving the car to a transmission place, hearing bad news, trying to locate the ONE minivan for rent in Cola, moving all our stuff over and finally getting back on the road.
26 hours after we left, we arrived at the beach. I cannot praise my kids enough. They were such troopers.
So on Monday we find out that our transmission needs to be rebuilt. Our mechanic from the Upstate just happens to be in Columbia so he runs over there and takes a look. It was reassuring to know we were making the right decision.
So a couple thousand later, we have a new transmission, we enjoyed a nice minivan at the beach and made a thousand wonderful memories with our four kids who all ADORED the beach.
7 comments:
Praise the Lord for his provision... everything from being right next to an exit when you needed to pull off, to friends in the area, etc. Glad you finally made it to the beach! We are headed there on Saturday--and are hoping for a much less eventful road trip! ;o)
so this can never happen when you're just out and about in spartanburg, huh? got to be a road trip!!
but both times, you were surrounded by people who could help. amazing. :)
Ya'll might need to start packing an extra transmission in the back when you hit the road. ;) Just sayin.
Seriously, Glory to God for his sweet provision. :)
Jenn
This was a read-aloud blog post for Jonathan. I love the way it all worked out and how you got time with your friends, too. YAY for cooperate kiddos, too!
WOW! Do you ever feel stressed during these times? I just got stressed reading your blog!!! Praise God for His provision...Amen :)
We had such a great time having y'all and are happy if this had to happen to you, it happened where we got to spend time together! God knew we needed a chance to hang out! Love y'all :)
i guess adventures with little ones don't just happen overseas, huh? craziness, but SO thankful that God provided help at every turn. and you got an extra night with friends to boot. :) miss you guys and praying for you as you continue to look ahead...
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