Timing is Everything

Not a very spiritual entry today! This is mainly for my guy friends!

A few days ago we wrote about all the theft problems this week. Just went from one thing to the next to the next. One of those items was our car jack and tools, removed from a compartment in back of our car. So, we had a one flat, discovering the loss but fortunately it was right in front of the house. So, when we headed to South Africa, we had this discussion about driving to South Africa to get our car worked on (or finish some old work because the parts were in!) without a way to change a flat. In the end, we decided to just go and try to get a good jack in South Africa.

We left our car at the Toyota dealer, picking up a car that belongs to our school which was also in for some body work and service. We then used that car (rented it) to drive to Nelspruit to check the mail (we had some!) and do a couple of needed medical appointments (nothing serious). We went to a couple of places trying to find a replacement jack but didn't have alot of luck. Toyota needed to order one from Japan, and I didn't want to wait for the slow boat, so I bought a scissor jack and tire wrench and we headed back.

We picked up our car in Mavalane and then headed back across the border with Ann following me. Everything is working good and we're about 45 minutes outside of Maputo running about 70 mph and BOOM - the right rear tire literally explodes (see photos). Really impressive blow-out. I didn't hit anything, it was a good road, air pressure was good - but BOOM. I don't know if any of you have experienced this kind of failure but it is the kind that makes your car go instantly squirrelly. There is nothing to do but try to keep it straight and immediately pull over. BUT, we had the new jack and so, changed it and headed on our way.

The failed tire is our one with the best tred but was the one hit in our accident (earlier blog) and we drove to Mocuba and back on it over terrible roads - no problems with it (another tire went flat, not this one!). Thank you Lord, that it failed after we replaced the jack and that we discovered it was even stolen rather than finding out on the road! So, timing is everthing....

I think the tire just absolutely failed - never have I seen anything like it. All that rusty metal is the metal cords from the tire.

So today, because I've used up all my 'old set' tires with the other flats and blow-outs and all the other tires are pretty well shot, we purchased four new tires and tomorrow's task is to arrange a place to install them on the rims - hopefully tomorrow. It was a big gulp on top of our run north, an accident, rebuilding the 4-wheel drive, etc. What a month it has been and I will look forward to the note from headquarters telling me that we are on the financial black list again. We are praying for a couple of months where things are a bit calmer!

Today, a guy approached us on the street and pointed to the stolen side indicator lights and tried to sell us replacements. I laughed and said "do you know how many times we've replaced them in the past - we don't bother anymore as they will just get stolen." He was puzzled at that - and then said, "but, I'll just rivet metal strips over everything and it will only cost you....." Yes, can't wait - drill holes all over the car and put metal strips that can be cut with metal snips. What a place! Driving a beater definitely has its advantages!

The environment is hard on these vehicles we depend on so heavily. The literal environment (sand, salt, and potholes) as well as the cultural environment (the car is stripped on the street or the good parts are replaced with bad parts in the shop), etc.

Anyway, I thought my guy friends might enjoy the photographs! (Yes, that is a Michelin - bought Goodyear Wranglers today). We're so thankful for the prayer coverage and protection that it provides!

It's all good!

Blessings!

"To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven:....a time to pluck...a time to laugh.....a time to lose....a time to love..." Ec 3:1 - 3.8