Day Eleven.....Give thanks to God! He provides us with what we need!

So today started out like every other day on the road. We got the kids up, had a quick breakfast and we were on the road. While driving highway 95 in the middle of the desert I happen to say, " There is nothing out here". We continued to drive through endless Mojave desert when we saw a little gas station. One hundred yards later, at about 8:40am our rental van decided to break down. It would only go 5 mph. Wonderful. But thankfully I was wrong with my earlier statement. God was with us. He led us to a place where we could safely wait for a new van. He provided is with a gas station eoth a cell tower. This could have been much worse. The gas station attendant said there is nothing for the next 48 miles. At 9:15 am The rental company said it would be 70 min. Until we had our replacement van. OK, we can do this. Doug took the kids into the gas station to get some snacks. Doritos and ice cream, why not.
So, we waited, and waited. I took a few pictures. I told the kids to get out and pretend to hitch hike. "What does that mean?" they asked. So I had to literally pose them for the picture. By now it's getting really hot, so playing outside the van is not an option. Thankfully, the van still ran with the air conditioning. Yes, God provides! Makes me think of Dad's favorite Psalm, 23.
While we waited for Budget, Brooke asked, "Are we stuck at the end of the world?" My sensitive Paige starts to cry. I remind myself that this will be one of the memories we will laugh about at future Christmas gatherings.
10:40 am Budget calls to check o our service. Still no tow truck. After waiting on hold they tell Doug help is still 40 miles away. We wait. At this point we may finish the entire Harry Potter audio series in one day.
11:40. A little truck pulls up with an elderly couple in front. They are eyeing our huge pile of belongings that we pulled out of the van over an hour ago. I rolled down my window and ask them if I can help them. " Are you having a yard sale?" they ask. Really! Yes we decided we would load up a bunch of of crap, drive to the middle of nowhere just to make a few bucks. Seems logical to me! I think it's getting to me at this point. I will say the kids are still doing very well.
Finally, at 12:15, our van arrived. Now we have to reload the van, topper and all in 106 degree heat. By 12:40, four hours later, we are on the road again.
We decided to skip the grand canyon for now. We head to our HOTEL ( yes, no camping tonight) to swim and get room service. Life is good.
I know there is a song that talks. About feeling small when you stand next to the ocean. Today I learned the desert is the same. To think what could have happened if the van broke down 20 miles down the road and we were unable to use our cell phones or air conditioning. Thank you, God!!!