The ruggedness of this country is hard on the vehicles. Something is always needing done to one of the cars. With groups here and all vehicles being used all the time, things with the vehicles only get worse. In the last couple of weeks, Marc has had all of the trucks in the shop at least once.
Today, both of the Casa vehicles had issues. Yesterday, the brakes on the trooper began to grind slightly. There was enough brake to get Rosy to school this morning and then on to the shop. Nicole was driving and I went along to show her the way. We left at 6:00 this morning. Haley was in her pjs. And we certainly were not dressed in a way to be seen by anyone.
We got Rosy to school and two blocks from the school, the car just stopped. It felt like someone yanked the emergency brake on. Someone told us they thought there was something wrong with the right front tire.
I called my faithful, trusty friend, Milton and he came to the rescue, as he always does. We had to wait for him almost an hour. Baby Haley was still happy, but we knew she would not be much longer. Nicole walked to a pulperia and got her some milk and a banana. Milk here comes in one liter bags. Nicole put the smallest little hole in one corner of the bag. Haley is not taking much of a liking to a sippy cup, but she loved drinking out of the bag. Nicole held the bag. Haley was laughing and having so much fun. She did eventually manage to get it in the folds of her neck. And she always loves bananas.
And Nicole and I can have fun together in any adventure we encounter.
Milton arrived, started the car and then called the tow truck because the car was going no where. Nicole unloaded the car seat and Haley into Milton's car. Milton and I were thinking it might be the transmission. When an automatic transmission goes out in Honduras, that is a very bad thing.
We got to the shop and they began to check things outs. It appears that the break line broke, all the fluid leaked out onto the tire and completely locked the tire. I think that is better than the transmission.
Meanwhile, back at Casa de Esperanza, about the time we got Rosy to school, Karen left in the van taking the other children to school. It rained so much last night that a good part of the road washed out. The van is wider than the trooper and Karen got stuck. For some reason, Karen and I were finding comfort in talking to each other. Karen got out and got the van home and someone picked the children up at the front gate and got them to school.
Two of the children at appointments at Teleton this morning and our employee, Reina, was going with them. Nicole and I had planned to get the car to the shop, get to the airport to rent a car, and get home in time for Nicole to go back to Teleton. Well, obviously, that was not going to happen. We made a plan B. Karen and I are getting so good at making a plan B.
Janet Hines was leaving for the airport from Santa Ana. Karen called her and she said Reina and the girls could ride to the airport with her. Fortunately, Nicole and I got to the shop and on to the airport before Reina did. We waited. When Reina and the girls arrived, we all piled in the little rent car and went to Teleton. We were not even late. Nicole and I left and went to find something to eat.
About the time we got back to Teleton, sweet little Haley began to get fussy. She was tired and hot and teething and quite possibly, hungry again. We sang to her and everything we could think of. By the time Teleton was finished, it was time to head back to Manos Felices for Rosy.
As we left Manos Felices and finally headed for home, Haley went to sleep almost immediately. Within three minutes of Haley going to sleep, the other three girls went to sleep also. It was so sweet, all four of them in the back seat asleep. The camera was in a purse under someone's foot. Neither Nicole nor I would take a chance of waking one of the sleeping beauties.
We were gone all day and Haley, Nicole and I were exhausted.
I don't know how long the trooper will be in the shop. If it rains more tonight, we don't know if the road will be passable for any vehicle. We don't know where to leave the cars tonight, in case we can't get through tomorrow.
Nicole said no trip to Honduras would be complete without at least one car in which she was riding breaking down. I am sure glad we could complete her trip for her.
Terri
2 comments:
Terri, is there anything that you and Marc would need help with the first week of August? If so drop me a line at jpaulmrphy at gmail.com.
What a day for you and your daughter and grandaughter! I am tired just reading it, but the two of you are good at adjusting and it can be fun when you are together. My busy schedule when I was young called for some of the same sort of skills but in the USA, which makes it much easier. Praise God for your willingness to keep on keeping on, and finding joy even in tribulation. You are all a inspiration to me. linda
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