Van Update - We're back in Canada

"Don't make any quick decisions, something might be in the works." That's what I was told Wednesday afternoon about 3PM. Around half an hour later something was in the works.

Those who have been able to follow the story know our 1989 Chevy Astro, which the Lord allowed to faithfully serve us for almost seven years, was moving slowly to its death. The exhaust valve that was 'sticking' continued to worsen so we were sure it was not up to the return trip to Canada.

We were praying for the Lord to direct us to a replacement and I was on the track of one Wednesday about lunch time. I thought I had found it in Statesville, NC. - the thing that was nice about that was Jinni would be able to see it/buy it maybe on her way home from North Carolina where she was visiting her sister. I called her cell phone and found out she was not at her sister's house but about 35 miles away from where the van was sitting! She was able to check it out within the hour of my call. She said it was very nice. The ebay dealer selling it agreed she could come by the next day and drive it away for $3000. So we thought we had the one.

My boss, for my summer job listened as I was speaking to the seller on the phone. When I hung up he said, "Don't make any quick decisions, something might be in the works." Half an hour later I was called in to a conference and told if I could come up with $2500, We would be able to buy a 2002 Windstar from a friend of the company's AND other people would raise the additional $2000, to cover the remainder of the selling price.

Needless to say when I called Jinni and told her we were in shock at what we were being told. We were going to have to buy the other van with borrowed money or our credit card (yeah right) anyway. We knew the Lord was going to have to provide for us to get this kind of money, so we continued to pray for wisdom and patience.

Well I had been given $1000 earlier in the week which would go toward the purchase of a 'new to us' van so I knew it would only be $1500 to come up with. Jinni called me back within the hour and told me her Aunt was giving her a $1000 check that night. We had $2000 before 5PM! less than two hours after we began to trust the Lord for the finances. Just before the day was through I was told the total cost for the van would be nearer 5000 than 4500 and could I come up with the other $500.

Next morning I took a friend to the airport and he 'gave me a tip' for driving him there (in his car). I didn't look at the check he handed me I just bid him farewell and headed into work. When I got in the office - about 8:15 - I pulled out the check and it was for $500! our 2500 was in less than 24 hours later. I got a call around 9AM from another precious brother in Christ who said his family wanted to give us $500 or if we needed, more, to make sure we came up to our 3000. Not even 10AM and The Lord provided all we needed. So I went to tell the guys what the Lord had done.

The news I got was even more sweet! the group of folks who were banding together had collected more that $2600 so we wouldn't need the remaining 500 after all!

I went to the lot, I waited until I was told it would be okay, to pick up the van! I signed the checks over to the lot manager, he gave me lots of paperwork, a temporary license, AND THE KEY!! I drove back to the office with a 2003, Ford Windstar - tow hitch included. WOW Lord, You sure know how to surprise a family.

What a blessing we have experienced, God has used many people to provide this van for us. We know some of those who had a part, but others will remain anonymous to us. Every one of the folks who gave have encouraged us so much. Thank you Lord for every single one and each family that You have used in our lives with this experience.