Well, it was quite a travel day for us! We got a good early start right around our target time of 8am and began the drive to Kentucky.
We made it through Columbus with nice easy traffic
and made our way to Rte 23 – which pretty much was the road we would travel until very close to our destination.
Oh, there were some towns that we drove through
but mostly it was pretty easy driving and we were excited to see some hills in the distance.
In fact, we were climbing one of those hills
when Gary noticed that we had no boost, and we were slowing down considerably faster than the hill warranted. A quick glance in the rear view mirror showed white smoke billowing out from the back of the rig. And then he saw some flames coming out of the exhaust pipe. (It was enough smoke that folks were stopping because they couldn’t see!) Gary pulled quickly to the shoulder, grabbed the fire extinguisher and ran to the back of the rig. The actual fire was contained in the tail pipe and was out by time Gary got there. We set up hazard signs, and began the wait for our roadside assistance to find an open repair shop and someone to tow us there!
It seems that we have blown out/burned up our turbo something or other that gets the air to the engine. So we’re not going anywhere until that gets replaced. Of course, it’s a holiday weekend, so just finding someone who could look at it was pretty tricky. It’s 11am when we stopped. The mobile service guy gets there around 2, and confirms the need for a tow truck. Then he leaves to track down a wrecker. The giant tow truck arrives at 7.
(It’s not an easy thing to tow a 15 ton motor home. You have to disconnect the drive shaft (at the rear of the rig)which they did before the wrecker arrived and then make sure the tow bar is correctly lined up from the front.
All while traffic is whizzing by. Slow down, people!)
Anywho – by 7:30 our house was being towed away!
We met up with her again as she was pulled into the repair shop,
And they got her settled in for the night. I hope they are happy where they parked her because there’s no moving her now until she’s all put back together.
As for us, we’re tucked in at a nearby Red Roof Inn (not too many choices in this neck of the woods, but it seems nice!) hoping to get a good night’s sleep. Tomorrow we’ll pack a bag and drive the truck to our SOWER project where they are kindly providing us with a room. We won’t know until Tuesday the extent or timing of the needed repairs, (or the $$, gulp) so until then we can at least be useful. And housed!
So we left at 8am and made it to our bed at 9pm. Kind of a long day, right? But we had so much to be thankful for! First of all we were safe. We knew help was coming. We had food and air conditioning and a bathroom. We even watched a little TV. We knew friends and family were praying. Oh, there was stress – don’t get me wrong. And I’m still a little anxious about our dear Lizzie and her needed repairs. But God is still good, and we are still His. We can still give thanks in all things!
Have a blessed Lord’s Day, friends!
Follow
Been there! Be glad you are safe and have a place to sleep. Watch for the blessings!
Our experience with the transmission last year was a big reminder of how God provides when we trust Him. Praying for you as you await His provision here.
I say Amen to what Bill said. Take care and God bless.
I’ll be praying, too!
So glad that you were spared injury and Lizzy is receiving much needed repairs. ??
God us good in ALL circumstances. My first thought when delays happen along the way is: there is a reason we were to be off the road. Enjoy your time and be grateful in all things.
lifting you both in prayer.
Lifting you both in prayer. Remembering “His blessing are new every morning and sufficient for that day”
So sorry to hear this, Stephanie, and Gary, Praying for an easy fix and not too expensive. I’m glad you’re safe and tucked in for the night or however many nights you’ll be there. Thanks for keeping us posted on what’s going on in your life. Love you guys stay safe. God bless.
Blessing this happened on 23 and not winding narrow road to camp nathaniel..you’ll see what I mean when you drive to camp. Bill and I loved it there. Say hi to everyone. Prayers are with you and Lizzie!!
Sorry to hear of this little “bump” in the road. Our prayers are with you that Lizzie will be good as new soon.
Thanks for the “God is at work” story. HIS faithfulness is a good witness to all of us. Praying that they get Lizzie fixed properly. Have a peaceful rest of the month.
So sorry. I remember when our house was towed away. It’s an uneasy feeling. Glad you have a good place to wait. ?
Prayers and blessings as you continue on with the project. We Sowers are a tough lot and don’t give up easy. Hope Lizzie comes through with flying colors and not too expensive.
Praying for you and Gary. Thankful for God’s provision and that you are still able to serve in the waiting while Lizzie is getting some attention
So, so thankful it wasn’t worse!
Love and hugs!
Sandi
Amen! Thank you for your prayers!
Thank you for your prayers! God has been very good to us!
Amen! Thank you for your prayers!
Oh, my! I am just getting to reading this blog. Yes, Great Is His Faithfulness. Thankful that you remained safe and that Lizzie also made it safely to the repair facility. Ah, we have been in similar situations, though have never had to be towed. Blessings on you as you begin a new month of doing His work. Hope Lizzie is now repaired.