Back to... vehicle trouble?? :)

You know, down in Haiti a lot of vehicles broke down a lot of the time. It was just a normal thing. And when it would break you would simply fix it and go about your way. I guess I didn't think about the reliability of vehicles here in the States, nor what I'd do if one broke down.

Yesterday, however, I had my first experience of vehicle failure back here in the States...

I was going back from our house with the ATV and delivering a few items to Ryan's place. I was having a grand time- cruising along at about 40mph, enjoying the breeze, enjoying the fresh air (not enjoying the cold nip in the air though! :) and just having the jolliest time when the machine suddenly lost power and died. I just sat there for a second or two, thinking to myself... "I guess the vehicle problems didn't get left in Haiti!" Seems like I don't have to best of experiences with ATVs :P

So, I hopped off and checked the engine out. I had fuel, oil, all that good stuff. However, there was some smoke coming off the manifold, so I wondered if the head gasket blew. I called Ryan to inform him of the issue. Since I was only 3/4 mile away from his house, he sent KK to come and pick me up. It turns out a rubber line was resting on the manifold and melted, causing the engine to stall...

Getting a tow back home :)

A nice, quiet little neighborhood across the road from Ryan's house.

:)

And a pretty Iowa sunset.

And here is Ry and Kels' house. A wonderful little rental property.

After all that, I was on my way through Omaha to pick up materials for a job, when the truck I was driving began to loose power... I limped it into a parking lot and called Ry. As I tried to move it towards an auto parts store, it died. Turning the key, it started again, and the problem was gone.

That was weird.

I told Ry it was fine then and went on my way. It didn't give any more problems after that! :)

These are good lessons in patience :) :)

On Thursday, Ryan and I went to do the first estimate together we've done in a year.

I snapped this picture just before my camera battery died :P

We had a great time though :)

Another shot from inside the garage we're working on.

Building a roof connecting the house and garage.

Today I finished up the soffit on the overhangs and the boys put up the siding on one side. :)

Well, tomorrow is my first day back to church. On Wednesday I went to my first brother's meeting (maybe I mentioned that already... can't remember :). There are so many things going through my mind as I re-adjust to life here in the States... and with the revival tent meetings happening in a week it'll be even more of a stretch to get everything done before then.

Anyhow, I should go to bed. We've been going full steam ahead :P I'm ready for bed!!

God bless you all, dear ones. Strive for the mastery; in this world, "average" is the the standard and "below average" is the norm. God wants to use us for His excellent purposes-- let's give ourselves to Him because of His great love for us! Let us excel in God!

-nate