We keep faking everybody out with our goodbyes that end up not being goodbyes. Each time we try to leave, we are delayed by something. This time, we actually DID leave (on Sunday morning). Which meant more tearful goodbyes. Little did we know that we'd see them a few short hours later. We thought we were in the clear with the repairs that had been made, although it's been hard to diagnose because the symptoms keeps coming and going. But when it had a little trouble starting in the Lowe's parking lot on the way out of town, we knew we weren't out of the woods yet. Instead of getting on the road right away, we decided to take a test trip to Branson (Brannon's very wise idea), which is about 45 minutes away. There were some good-sized hills in between here and there that would test the fuel pump and hopefully give us an idea of what was going on. Although it handled the hills without hesitation, it refused to start up again after we ate lunch in Branson. Luckily, we weren't in a dangerous situation when it quit on us. After about 45 minutes of trying, the RV started again (after Brannon literally banged on the fuel tank several times with a breaker bar...not joking) and we were able to get back to Springfield. A couple more days of Brannon diagnosing and testing followed, which included me crawling into a small storage compartment underneath the RV with a headlamp and a power tool (see attached pictures...you're welcome). We found an RV mechanic in Nixa who we think will be able to fix the issues, and we dropped it off there Wednesday morning. We hoped it would be finished by the weekend, but he told us today that it would probably be Tuesday before it is finished.
It's a weird feeling being in flux like this. Our plan has been interrupted and it has been a bit of an emotional roller coaster on many levels. We are trusting in The Plan, though, that is way bigger than our own, with an omniscient Author. And I, for one, can find peace in that.
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While Brannon and my dad are diagnosing and troubleshooting why our RV won't start, here's a screenshot of our projected trip for your eyes...
I firmly believe that everything happens for a reason. Even though it's hard to see the reason(s) at the time. The start of our trip has been continually delayed for various reasons. Our UPS package (with our final piece needed for towing our vehicle) was delayed three times. Our propane heater went out just days before our projected departure date, requiring an additional day of diagnosing and repairs (working now by the way!). And now earlier, minutes before we pull out of the driveway (everything loaded, coats on, another very tearful goodbye), the RV refused to start. What started out as slightly irritating delays that were disrupting our itinerary now seem very supernaturally purposeful. Whatever the reason(s), we are keeping our chin up and pressing forward. Brannon is currently educating himself about diagnosing fuel pump issues via YouTube while Phoenix naps and Gramma (Gayle), Ember and myself are listening to old Beatles records and having a coloring party in the living room. Stay tuned for further updates!
T-minus approximately 36 hours. As the time of departure approaches, mixed emotions are setting in. Excitement about adventuring, newness, and seeing old friends and family across the country; a touch of anxiety as we approach said newness and the general unknown; and a sadness about leaving our wonderful families and friends behind for 7 months. A much anticipated journey, but the attachment to family and the warmth of comfortability have left us digging our heels in a bit. However, growth thrives outside of comfort! So we will press on. But know, our dear families and friends, you will be very much missed!
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