God Provides "New" Wheels

For those of you who read our newsletter or have been receiving our twice-a-month prayer partner updates, you have already rejoiced with us concerning our “new” set of wheels – this time in the form of a 1999 Toyota Hilux pickup truck. This vehicle was owned by one of our co-workers who as of May 30^th has moved his family permanently back to the States. Therefore, the verbal agreement last March, turned into a legal agreement in early May (power of attorney document), and then a financial agreement on May 22^nd, and then a completed transaction when we received the keys on May 30^th. Now after, getting the insurance all set up, we officially have a vehicle to drive!

 

Thus far, we haven’t driven it much, just to a farewell party on Friday and then on Saturday, I helped a new family move into a new house. Those of you who own trucks know how quickly you get asked to help with moving things. It reminds me of a conversation with a truck-owning/loving friend in Texas.  He was complaining about the price of gas and fuel consumption when I asked, “well, why do you own a truck (in comparison to our tiny, fuel efficient Hyundai Accent)?” He quickly replied, as if it were obvious, “well, to haul stuff.” Yea man, now we can haul stuff together!

 

So we haven’t used the truck much yet. It’s kind of a strange feeling, and it reminds me of my dad a bit. Growing up, we, as a family, would tease him about his habit of not wearing new clothes. Many times, we would ask “oh, is that a new shirt?” and he would reply “no, I got this the Christmas before last (or whatever), but I just haven’t worn it until now.” I guess, clothes, like fine cheeses and wines, need to age for a while before they are suitable for exposure to the public. Anyway, now that we have a vehicle, we are not eager to jump in and drive all over town. I suppose this is partially because we are still in shock from the expense involved in buying, operating and repairing vehicles here. In addition, Addis traffic is a nightmare for those who have any sense that traffic rules should govern the road. Plus, it’s not convenient to us right now because we park our truck at a nearby co-worker’s house - our driveway is problematic (we would have to move the car every time our landlord, who lives in the back of our compound, came and went). Finally, Andrea’s pregnancy has kept us pretty well at home anyway.

 

We truly see how God provided this vehicle as it meets all of our needs and desires. It’s a strong, 4-wheel drive vehicle that has sufficient passenger space as well as cargo space without it being a massive Land Cruiser type vehicle. It was owned and well maintained by a foreigner all its life and has low miles (about 55,000). It is a Toyota which is BY FAR the top of the food chain when it comes to durability and the availability and price of parts here. It was purchased privately, avoiding the complicated and corrupt system of “brokers.” Finally, a high price fit the quality of this vehicle, but God provided the finances to make it possible, especially through the specially designated gift by our sending church in Wisconsin. Praise Him for his provision…but now pray for protection!