Day #2: Give Thanks

Day #2: Give Thanks 1

We're (still) at Walmart. Our 5th wheel is here, but our truck is not.

A tow truck came and pulled it away to a local Ford dealer. A friend of a friend of a friend works there. We're hoping the mechanic can look at it first thing in the morning.

Meanwhile, here at the 5th wheel...

We're trying to conserve our battery (and our water). Today, we ate peanut butter & jelly sandwiches for dinner - with one light on. Steph read bedtime stories to our daughters with a flashlight. We haven't showered in almost three days. I might have to buy a solar panel tomorrow.

Day #2: Give Thanks 2
Day #2: Give Thanks 3

Even so, today we are reminded how much we have to be thankful for. There are people all over the world without electricity, running water, and vehicles. It's a reality they live with every day.

Day #2: Give Thanks 4

Tonight we wrote a thank you card to a friend and included a small token of our gratitude. Tomorrow, we'll mail it. Writing cards may not be as big or as grand as some of the things we have planned, but it's still a good way to give.

I'm writing this post on my phone (WordPress app). My computer battery is dead.

14 comments on “Day #2: Give Thanks”

  1. Wow! Hope the truck is fixed quickly and you can continue on your journey! But for now, enjoy the Wal-Mart...there must be a reason!

  2. Praying for you guys! Thank you for being willing to give thanks, even when surrounding circumstances don't seem to warrant it. As you said, there is always something to be thankful for. I am thankful that you guys are willing to give in so many ways!

  3. You guys have been on my mind all day. Praying for peace and that the Lord will provide for exactly what you need. Thank you for being such amazing, God fearing people!

  4. Its so true that there are people who live without electricity, water and even decent non-leaking homes over their heads. Americans have no idea that they are the among the richest people on the planet. Here in SA, just yesterday at church one of our key leaders revealed that the two room apartment they SHARE with another family has had the electricity turned off for a couple of weeks because the other couple has not been paying the rent or the utilities. (Even though they had been paying the other couple their share.) I can't believe she hadn't said anything! I complain when the water is off for one day for repairs!

    I know there is a reason for your predicament, but I know it's also quite a challenge with little ones. Praying for you guys!

  5. God gives us something to learn every day. There is a reason behind this may not be clear just yet. I hope your friend's friend can fix the truck with minor cost and you will all be on your way again! Blessings.

  6. You guys sound like you still have a positive attitude in this, and I admire that. It's not easy, especially with two young kids to take care of. If it looks like your truck will be awhile, you might look into hiring a tow truck to tow you to a campground. There are trucks that can tow 5th wheels and that might be more cost-effective for you than solar panels. When we looked into them it would have been very expensive and we would have needed a LOT of solar panels to generate enough power to run the furnace, fridge, or a laptop. At least if you're at a campground you'll have full hookups and it will be easier to wait while things are taken care of.

    I'm sure you guys have already looked into it, but you do probably want to check the weight of your loaded rig against the GCWR of your truck. We were pretty surprised at how heavy we were with only what we considered the "bare essentials". Does your truck have a towing package? Do you have a transmission cooler? I hope it's just the fluid on the transmission that burnt up and you'll be able to make repairs and be back on your way.

  7. It's wonderful to hear you looking on the bright side of your circumstance & giving thanks. I hope you're back on your way soon!

  8. wow, there is a strong force trying to sabotage you guys, huh? This just means that the greatness that is behind this- the impact you are going to have is going to be SO BIG. Praying for the spiritual battle that is going on, and praying that your faith and attitudes continue so that you guys can get through this fast and get back to your big plans!

    So proud of you guys!

  9. Friends of friends of friends are great aren't they!

    I'm always amazed by how small the internet has made the world.

    And... you are right - writing cards might not seem like a "big" way to give - but it could be really "big" for the recipient of the card. It's good to remember in the middle of the big give of your lives that all the little gives anyone can do on a daily basis are still very important! Thanks for the reminder... I have a card or two I've been meaning to mail too, better get it done!

  10. Nothing like a trial by fire on your first day, huh? What do you need? What can we do?

    Hang in there...this too shall pass!

  11. God has big plans for this journey and the devil is trying to trump that. You guys are in our prayers.......I know what its like to live without electricity, water or even food for not days, weeks or months - years. But you know what? You come out stronger, much better and more happier because you realize that those things dont necessarily make you happy or better. Enjoy your trip Tim and Steph. Love you guys :)

  12. sometimes a card is the best way to give - especially to those that you aren't going to see for a while. Good luck with the truck and hopefully a shower :)

  13. Tim and Stephanie. I'm just catching up on your journey for this week. Praise God for the things he has allowed you to do. I read this as I sit here in a nice house in Madagascar knowing my neighbor lives in a hut without water, electricity, toilet and what we know as the comforts of home. It reminds me to pray for the people around the world who do not have what we call necessities. May God continue to bless you on this journey.

Our family spent 2011 traveling the USA in an RV, striving to intentionally "give every day" for the glory of God. We interviewed CEOs of nonprofits and served alongside over 40 organizations and churches.

Our Pledge

We hereby pledge:

- To spend intimate, quantity time with our family.
- To actively help the poor, the sick, the lonely, and the helpless.
- To value, protect, and advocate for children.
- To de-emphasize the importance of “stuff” in our lives.
- To bring publicity to good causes and good people.
- To live with intentionality, as if this year was our very last.
- To observe the needs in our country/community – and then do something about them.
- To give – every day.

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