This post is long overdue. I think we have both been overwhelmed by the need to reduce the experiences of the last week or so into words. Here’s my attempt (it may be lengthy).
Last week we spent a few nights with a friend of mine in Moscow, Idaho. For a small town Moscow is pretty happening. And don’t be mistaken, it’s named after the Moscow in Pennsylvania not Russia. We met some really great people and experienced some very dear fellowship. We even broke out guitars and percussion for a bit (in exchange for food).
Then we set out west into the heart of coffee land. I had just commented about how strangely similar eastern Washington was to West Texas when I glanced down to find a temperature needle pointing as high as it could. Before we left on the trip, my dad and I did all sorts of maintenance on my car but we overlooked the water pump. So we had just been crossing our fingers and hoping for the best. But alas, our crossed fingers did not keep the water pump bearing in place. Our car was officially broken down in Washtucna–a town with 300 people and no parts store.
We killed the engine, pulled off the road, and spotted what looked like a garage up ahead. We coasted down the hill and explained our situation to the man outside playing with his dog. He informed us that he was a retired mechanic and located the part for us in the next town (30 miles away). Due to recent surgery he was unable to use his arms, so we were on our own for getting there. We made a sign and stuck out our thumbs at the main highway intersection. After a short 10 minutes and only a few letdowns we were picked up by Washtucna’s mayor of 30 years. We got our part and the owner of the store was kind enough to let his employee Daryn give us a ride back on the clock.
Halfway through disassembling the engine (and after the parts store had closed) we realized that our timing belt was only half as wide as it should have been. Daryn had given us his cell number so we gave him a call and he graciously offered to bring us a new belt. With the guidance of our Bud Light drinking mechanic friend we eventually got the car back together. We fired up the engine and it sounded better than ever. It was dark by that time so Daryn showed us the town and let us crash at his place.
I have to say a few things about Daryn. He was a tremendous blessing to us. I don’t know if I have met someone with such selflessness and servanthood. He told us that up until 10 years ago he was a desperate alcoholic. His brother then led Him to the Lord Jesus. Though he doesn’t drink anymore, he spends his evenings at the town bar giving rides to the people who are throwing away their lives. He told us that, just like in his case, they would not give up drinking until they made the decision for themselves. So he felt it was his duty to help them out until they were able to make that decision.
Basically, everything worked out as perfectly as it could have and we can only praise God for his continual Providence.
God is good! I am so sad that you have not shared your Flat Stanley pictures with the world. Thanks for sending them and my class will see them today!
Love ya!
Well, you captured my attention. I must say, your writing has gotten pretty good. I’m loving reading about your adventures, and Matt and I have now become accustomed to living vicariously through the two of you.
I’m (half) kidding.
Love you.
I love your pictures. esp. the leaves! I wish we had a real fall here.
hope you’re loving it!
i echo what the others have said: love the pictures and the stories =)
p.s. i love MT as well, and i’ve been fishing on mcgregor lake! so beautiful there.
you’re writing like donald miller now! good job, this sounds just like through painted deserts.
MISS YOU!
by the way, your pictures are fantastic! i’m proud to call you my brother. and sammy, i’m proud to call you my … brother’s friend. hahaha.
I must say that I can echo everyone that has already posted… Enjoy every moment ! miss ya
hey Aaron…WOW..great start to your adventures!!!
“Daryn’s story” is incredible! As well as everything else.
You are doing great things…keep it up!
I feel a book is developing??
Godspeed.
Miss Cheryl
Awesome story! Glad you got back on the road. didn’t know you were also a mechanic! This is my fist time to check out your blog. You, as aways, impress me. Be safe, and God Bless!
UV
What an awesome experience of God’s provision and the Body of Christ!
Aaron & Sammy,
I am so happy to have helped you! As you said God brought us together that day. Although I think the picture of me is horrible!I’m not really that chubby looking and red. Godspeed to you and all your friends and family. Thanks for the compliment Cheryl.
Love you guys,
daryn
Beautiful, man. What a wonderful story.
SRay
I never thought that it would be possible to have an adventure in Washtucna. Praise God for blessing us in the most unexpected times and places.