Three car seats DID fit in the back seat of our 1999 Plymouth Neon. But alas, the only way all three fit was with the infant car seat in the middle. Can you imagine hauling a 20 pound car seat in and out and over the back seat? No way. That's asking for a worse back than Joel and I already have. Thus, prayers for wisdom and direction to Jesus concerning a mini van were common around our household for awhile.
Joel did the research on the internet. Found ONE Toyota mini van for sale in Duluth from a private seller within our price range. Joel sent them an email asking a few questions. They called us 15 minutes later.
Over the phone Joel guessed they were Christians. We all drove down to Duluth a few days later to check out the van for sale. The wife was pregnant with her sixth child, thus the reason for selling the van (the van only seats 7 people). The husband was looking for a "beater car" to run around town with. Well! The husband drove our Neon and we drove their van for a test ride. Thirty minutes later: we pull into the family's driveway, Joel and the husband have the SAME numbers in their head, a quick chat between the husband and wife, and lo and behold we had a car swap. But the tension is rising because I have a haircut appointment in 15 minutes. We need to GO.
Hey no problem- the DMV is right next to Younker's where I'm getting my hair done. One hour, a slow hairdresser- but a believer all the same!- and two great kids (yes, mine) later...the van was ours, the Neon was theirs. Everyone was happy. Except for our tummies because it was 1:30 and we hadn't eaten lunch yet!
It was a good day.
Let me tell you about Ellie Red Car. It's a luxury vehicle with power everything. High miles, but mostly highway miles, 2004 Toyota Sienna. It's a vehicle that makes people feel spoiled, and I'm doing my best to feel completely grateful to Jesus and not be embarrassed with such a nice vehicle. The kids love it, they can open and close the doors themselves...by pushing a button. KerChow!
Yay God! I am so glad things worked out smoothly for you. He has good plans, even for our vehicles.
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks for your quick note. God is good. And we have been encouraged, bit-by-bit today.
That looks like the EXACT same van we have :) 2004 Toyota Sienna LE in Red. Glad you have a vehicle that fits your growing family - hauling a car seat in and out of a car (with 2 other carseats) would have been a PAIN.
ReplyDeletePsalm 37:4 "Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart". You live that well! I know the feeling of embarrassment over owning something nice. But you know, God just got such a kick out of making that particular van possible for you, that Psalm 147:11 comes alive: "The LORD delights in those who fear him,who put their hope in his unfailing love". So gratitude simply says, "Thank you Lord, for my OLD, well-used luxury vehicle that will be used for your glory.
ReplyDeleteJust remember the A-Team rode around in a van!
ReplyDeleteDo you only buy vehicles from Christians? Sounds completely intolerable to me.
ReplyDeleteWho are you, Anonymous?
ReplyDeleteNo we don't only buy vehicles from Christians.
We buy the vehicles the Lord leads us to when He deems we need them. And if their owners believe in Him and are blessed to see His leading in the situation - then praise Him!
-Joel
I am so happy for you all. What a huge blessing it is when you meet someone and have that immediate spiritual "family" feeling! I cannot imagine a better way for that to have worked out! Wonder why... :) Blessings!
ReplyDeleteKerCHOW! ;)
ReplyDelete