Fitting things into an RV is like putting together a puzzle. It takes work but in the end it finally comes together and everything finds a place. Just be careful when you open the cupboards after a trip. You never know how things might have found a new place to fit.
We actually shed tears as we said “good-bye” to the trailer we have lived in this past year. That trailer was GIVEN to us and it was a great blessing for us. It was God’s special provision at exactly the right time. We are so grateful for the generous couple who gave it to us. We were able to use the trailer as part of the down payment for the new truck and trailer. We were very happy in our little home – we will cherish the time we had together in it.
Here is an inside look of part of our new home. This is part of the kitchen, looking up toward the bathroom and bedroom. Our bedroom has one slide-out (the bed slides out) and so that gives us much more closet space and 10 drawers (instead of the previous 2 that we had). We also have a 10 gallon hot water heater (compared to 6). We are very grateful.
This shows the bedroom slide-out. Before we travel the bed slides in and bumps right up against the dresser. When it is out there is plenty of room to walk around the bed and get to the wonderful closet space.
No, this isn’t a very good picture of our new truck (that will come) but we couldn’t resist this pose of the Hicks children with Pastor Taylor in the back of our truck. Calvin, Grace, Ethan and Haddon Hicks (from our home church) were excited to see the truck and trailer and they have hopes of traveling sometime next summer with us.
For about the first 2 weeks of November, while we were in Front Royal, VA, we were in the midst of trying to make a “major decision”. Our truck developed serious internal issues and so we began to look for a new vehicle. Then we discovered a “truck and trailer” package (that had just been traded in only days before). After much prayer, much discussion and much counsel, we traded in our truck and trailer, added some money we had been saving for such a purpose and purchased a 2006 Dodge 1 ton, diesel, dual wheel, dual cab truck and a 2008 Bristol Bay (Sunny Brook) 36 ft. fifth-wheel trailer. We are still stunned by how all of this happened but we rest assured in God’s provision. This is our only home – so we will have a place to live while ministering in Lorain, OH and also while we continue on deputation and continue to assist churches in reaching Hispanics.
On Sunday, October 31 we reported to our home church, Skyline Baptist Church in Front Royal, VA. (This is where Herb pastored recently for 8 1/2 years.) One of the members who knows how much Herb loves coffee, gave him this mug. It is so appropriate! (It means, “Don’t talk until I drink my coffee!)
On Saturday, October 23 we broke down in a rest area in North Carolina. When we pulled in we actually heard a noise in the truck but then we realized that a leaf spring had broken on the trailer. (The noise in the truck would be heard once again in just two days – another story!) Since it was late afternoon on a Saturday we had no choice but to leave the truck and trailer in the rest area overnight. The pastor where we were scheduled for a meeting on Sunday (Pastor Willie Overton in Draper, VA) picked us up and took us to their home for the night. After ministering in the services on Sunday morning, we drove back to the truck and trailer in North Carolina. Wanda’s brother, Wayne Ault and his daughter, Lamour, drove up from Greenville, SC and were at the rest area and already had removed the broken leaf spring. Within an hour, a new leaf spring was on and we were back on the road. We were so thankful for Wayne’s help. He came equipped with all of the necessary tools (and then some) to help with the repair. He truly came to the rescue! We were so grateful that we were at a safe place, that we had beautiful weather, that Pastor and Mrs. Overton were so gracious and that help came so quickly. Praise HIM!