It’s now 1977. We have moved from Nepal to Oklahoma to California to Oklahoma
and now on to Mexico ALL IN ONE YEAR. To get to Mexico City, we purchased a used
1973 VW van to carry all four of us and all our earthly belongings—plus the micro computer Bill had built. Ten year old grandson Ethan drew a picture of what he thought it must have been like when the engine threw a rod and we were stranded. Note our faces in the window.
Here's what my journal recorded: 9-3-77
"Here we sit in a Nuevo Laredo motel. We had a lovely trip until we got to the border. We had to drive all night from Tucson, but we made it.
We spent 5 hours at the border with customs. They really gave us a hard time, except they hardly inspected our luggage at all. Instead they gave us medical exams and said we didn't have enough of the required forms to know we were not dangerous.
We were exhausted after all this and decided on. but 15 minutes on our way out of town the engine sputtered and broke down. We pushed it on its last breath into the VW dealership that happened to be in Nuevo Laredo. We gave thanks for God's timing and placement of the dealership. BUT they had neither the parts or the facilities to repair it.
So Bill called our colleagues in Mexico City to ask for advice. While waiting an answer we hired a tow truck to take us to a motel for the night. Right now we're sitting in a hotel room with boxes, drum, suitcases, duffle bags and everything from our van filling up the huge room. And we're waiting, waiting. By yet another miracle, 2 SIL folks from Mexico city, drove the 1500 miles to arrive with a mechanic-- the amazing Fred Tuggy, We are deeply grateful for their willingness to come and rescue us.
The Lord has given us deep peace and anticipation knowing this is for our good, perfecting patience in us and bringing forth joy. I think it's answers to people's prayers that we've had so much peace and rest in this. The only part that causes a bit of anxiety is when I think how much it's going to cost for the mechanics' trip and our engine repair. Mexico City is 16 hours away if you're driving straight throough. Thank-you, Lord, for this VW and the things you are teaching us through it.
It's been hardest on the kids when they were so tired yesterday, but they seem recovered today. We'll be glad to get to Mexico City and hopefully resume normalcy. And Father said, "I am your normalcy, child. Come to Me; Peace in the midst of turmoil, joy in the midst of pain, love in the midst of frustration. I want to walk the fire with you. Always remember I am there perfecting and loving."
9-6-77: We made it to Mexico City in 18 hours--a long but good drive, thanks to Dick Bronson and Fred Tuggy.
We were and still are tired. We're living in a one room posada and are very cramped until a new efficiency apartment is completed, hopefully soon. People have been very friendly. And still it hurts, much deeper than I thought. Looking back always does for me. It's so big and modern here, and rich. I feel a fish out of water and long for the small branch fellowship and love we had in Nepal. Help me, Lord, to step out and minister that love to those around me."
Here's what my journal recorded: 9-3-77
"Here we sit in a Nuevo Laredo motel. We had a lovely trip until we got to the border. We had to drive all night from Tucson, but we made it.
We spent 5 hours at the border with customs. They really gave us a hard time, except they hardly inspected our luggage at all. Instead they gave us medical exams and said we didn't have enough of the required forms to know we were not dangerous.
We were exhausted after all this and decided on. but 15 minutes on our way out of town the engine sputtered and broke down. We pushed it on its last breath into the VW dealership that happened to be in Nuevo Laredo. We gave thanks for God's timing and placement of the dealership. BUT they had neither the parts or the facilities to repair it.
So Bill called our colleagues in Mexico City to ask for advice. While waiting an answer we hired a tow truck to take us to a motel for the night. Right now we're sitting in a hotel room with boxes, drum, suitcases, duffle bags and everything from our van filling up the huge room. And we're waiting, waiting. By yet another miracle, 2 SIL folks from Mexico city, drove the 1500 miles to arrive with a mechanic-- the amazing Fred Tuggy, We are deeply grateful for their willingness to come and rescue us.
The Lord has given us deep peace and anticipation knowing this is for our good, perfecting patience in us and bringing forth joy. I think it's answers to people's prayers that we've had so much peace and rest in this. The only part that causes a bit of anxiety is when I think how much it's going to cost for the mechanics' trip and our engine repair. Mexico City is 16 hours away if you're driving straight throough. Thank-you, Lord, for this VW and the things you are teaching us through it.
It's been hardest on the kids when they were so tired yesterday, but they seem recovered today. We'll be glad to get to Mexico City and hopefully resume normalcy. And Father said, "I am your normalcy, child. Come to Me; Peace in the midst of turmoil, joy in the midst of pain, love in the midst of frustration. I want to walk the fire with you. Always remember I am there perfecting and loving."
9-6-77: We made it to Mexico City in 18 hours--a long but good drive, thanks to Dick Bronson and Fred Tuggy.
We were and still are tired. We're living in a one room posada and are very cramped until a new efficiency apartment is completed, hopefully soon. People have been very friendly. And still it hurts, much deeper than I thought. Looking back always does for me. It's so big and modern here, and rich. I feel a fish out of water and long for the small branch fellowship and love we had in Nepal. Help me, Lord, to step out and minister that love to those around me."
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