July 12, 2005

God is sovereign and good. We rose early and left Boise so that we might make it to Seattle around noon. (with the time change it was a possibility). After some minor detours we arrived at our hotel around 12:40. The last half dozen miles were driven with the battery light on. Once at the hotel, I tried restarting the car: nothing. In the Providence of God, Steve Grasser had made arrangements to meet us (The Faul’s and Ms. Houghton) in Seattle, and to rent a car.

Getting it fixed: an adventure in auto repair.
Borrowing cables from the front desk we jump started the van. We made it to the stoplight before the car shut off—I was able to slip the car into neutral and roll through the intersection to a turn lane across the highway. Steve was able to pull onto the sidewalk next to me and jump start me for a second time. (I called AAA to obtain roadside assistance, but was disappointed to learn that we don’t have the right membership to provide towing for our large van) This time we made it to the 2nd traffic light before the car stalled (not enough battery to power the electronic fuel injection).
By now rush hour is in full swing, I am stalled in the turn lane and Steve has his flashers on behind me. Within two minutes a Police Cruiser pulled up behind us thinking we had been in an accident. The officer used his cruiser to push our van through the traffic light and to a parking area in front of a tire and battery shop. We purchased a battery which would give us the power needed to travel the remaining two traffic lights to the shop where we’d arranged to have the van looked at. Thankfully, they were able to diagnose and replace the alternator by the time they closed that day.
As a means of preaching to myself, I recounted to Steve and Jocelyn how kind God had been…1. that we made it to the hotel before the car died and not on the highway. 2. That Steve was already planning on being in Seattle (Steve is an airplane mechanic) and he rented a car. 3. Jumper cables from hotel 4. Police officer willing to push vehicle out of roadway. 5. Battery place lends us a wrench to replace battery. 6. Shop able to fix vehicle so trip is un-interrupted. So much more to rehearse…God’s past and present faithfulness helps our hearts to trust his provision for the future as well. By God’s grace I am able to rejoice in the goodness of God.
The four adults go to dinner
Steve, Tracy, Karen, and I went into Seattle to eat dinner. While we were eating we observed an assault and robbery. Exciting!! J Apparently the dispute was between two street persons. One ran up behind the other and hit him with a chain—knocking him to the ground—once on the ground some others went through his pockets and took anything of value. Fortunately, by the time our dinner was over police had apprehended the suspect and the victim had been transported to the hospital. Needless to say, we were much more alert and stayed close to one another.