Jim
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We are in Mexico! (a bit late)
In Sunday we were in Arizona, planning to cross the border the following day. We were meeting someone to cross with Monday afternoon.
But Sunday evening we received an email – their vehicle had broken down. So the plans began to change.
From there on in, in phone calls and emails, plans changed . . . and changed . . . and changed again . . . and again . . . and yet again!
Our friends were very gracious (very) and eventually things were organized.
In the end, instead of going Monday, we ended up going Tuesday. Now, this cost us an extra night in a hotel. But it was a nice hotel to get stuck in. And more notable, I was sick Monday – very sick (migraine attack). So it did remind us that God is in control of these things. Crossing the border Monday would have been pretty difficult for me in the shape I was in!
On Tuesday our friend came with another friend (who had a reliable vehicle) and we met them and then crossed the border.
Once again I should report – since so many of you were praying – this was the smoothest crossing into Mexico ever. In fact, all our border crossings this trip have been super-smooth.
The biggest hitch came when I simply forgot a couple of documents in the van and had to run back to get them. No big deal. We had nothing searched, paid no duty on anything . . . and a couple of times when we were sure we would have to stop (for inspections, customs, etc), we were able to roll right on through. The officials we talked to were friendly and in good moods. We even met some people while we waited in line in various places – even a couple of Saskatchewanionians.
So – here we are! Safe and sound in the Sonora desert, in the city of Hermosillo, as of yesterday.
The only change now is that, instead of staying here two nights, we’re heading out today.
Oh, and more good news – our friends were able to repair their vehicle. 🙂
So there’s lots of driving in Mexico yet to come! So we’d better get on with it. Thanks again to those who have been praying – God has been good! And if you want to pray as we continue to travel, that would be great! 🙂
It’s Just TOO EARLY!
In Canada, the Christmas season sales generally start after Halloween. I don’t like it, but I get it. But I saw this sign in Zellers on the 3rd of November. I’m sorry, that’s just silly.
(For the uninitiated, Boxing Day is the 26th of December)
In Arizona
Tonight we stop – and we’ll be enjoying a day of rest from driving tomorrow – not too far from the US/MX border. It’s our second day in Arizona.
Can you believe it though – we’re not even done 60% of our trip south yet! Yes, Mexico is another BIG country.
In fact, it’s even longer to go when you consider that we’re just stopping home then heading out for a team retreat and then a conference. So we really don’t get home – really home – until the 26th of November
We were able to stop mid-trip today to get a headlight replaced, so that’s one repair out of the way. And we finished our drive a little earlier today – and we’re REALLY looking forward to actually getting a little sleep!
Thanks for your prayers. We’re more than half-way home!
Nathanael in the snow this morning.
The freezing temperatures have followed us
up until this afternoon!
This past week’s Tweets…
- After getting some temporary repairs done to the van, we travelled on south. Hoping for a little more rest in Arizona. #
- Day 3: Hoping to find out the extent of the damage to the van. Hunting for a good (honest and available!) mechanic… #
- Day 2 of our trip south is about to begin. Please pray that we don't have too many delays today – we could use sleep! #
- From now on, the van heads SOUTH. #
- Tomorrow we're at Prairie Tab in Three Hills – both services 9am & 10:40am. Last Sunday to share about what God is doing in Mexico City! #
- Calgary biased against street preachers? http://t.co/s1uf7klz #
- Praying for Sudan. #
Details of the Damage Day 3
So, the damage from our little mishap with the deer on Wednesday comes to about $1700. Now, if you know much about these things, you know that’s nothin’.
On the other hand, with thousands in unexpected expenses in 2011, it doesn’t feel like nothin’. But the good news is there doesn’t seem to be major engine or body damage.
The driver’s door was jammed shut, but the mechanic was able to do a temporary fix, and wrench things into place. So – joy! I can now get out without climbing on the other seats! 🙂
Some body work will need to be done, and a new headlight. Amazingly enough, the bulb still works, although the one headlight was smashed.
We had also discovered soon before driving down that our trailer tires were on their last legs, so we got them switched and headed out – quite late – on Day 3 of the drive down.
We’ve arrived- quite late- at our destination. Good night!