Happy New Year

We are day five into the new year- 2024- and the first 'challenge' has appeared.

John and I were returning from a quick trip to Melbourne. It was a bit of a whirlwind trip- catching up and celebrating Christmas with the family. It was so good to spend time with our four grandkids and also catch up with my brother, sister-in-law and their youngest son who were visiting from NZ.

We began our trip home on Tuesday (2/1) around 11:30am with the sat nav indicating that we should arrive home at 7:40am in the morning- providing we tag teamed the driving and kept toilet stops to a minimum. We were doing great- and then the 'challenge' arose. John has a different name for it. After looking under the car bonnet, he prefers to call it 'bulls#*t'. Anyway, challenge, bulls#*t, obstacle, trial, test ...call it whatever you like. The facts were: the car had completely seized; it was 2:00am; we were sitting precariously on the side of the road with the occasional semi-trailer flying by at 110km; the only lights were the torch apps on our iPhones and we were 50km from the nearest town. Yep, for me this was definitely a challenge.

Only 3 days earlier, I had spent some time reflecting on 2023 with all of its highs and lows, and what had become our new norm after relocating to Bundaberg. I had set myself a couple of new goals and reaffirmed current ones. I had spent time reading, meditating and praying and felt really positive and inspired heading into the new year. I was a mere 8.5 hours away from re-establishing my routines and getting stuck into 2024 (holiday mode now closed). Then it literally all came to a grinding halt.

After a long conversation(s) with RACV,NRMA and RACQ, we were able to organise a truck which towed us to the nearest town about 50kms heading back to Melbourne. I have a new appreciation for those individuals who are woken up in the middle of the night to handle someone else's emergency. Yes, I know it's their job, but broken sleep is broken sleep. Trust me. We have just spent four days with my daughter, son-in-law and their 2 year old and 4 month baby. They know the pain of broken sleep :). So a big thank you to the young tow truck driver who didn't ignore his phone even though he was exhausted from the day before. Anyway, back to the 'challenge'... we were dropped off outside a mechanic shop where we tried to get some sleep before they opened. When they finally opened, we were told that they were unable to help us. After numerous calls, the Ford repair centre said they could probably fix our car. We organised another tow-truck and then sat in the Ford customer lounge area for the rest of the day. The heat in that 'tin shed' office was unbelievable. Still dressed in Melbourne weather attire, the 30degree plus temperature became torture. I could not only smell my own sweat, but also John's feet... still in his boots. At around 4:00pm, they advised that we needed a new alternator- they had also replaced the battery along with some other repairs. This seemed ridiculous as we had only just replaced the alternator about a month ago. The current alternator however, was not the correct size but had the correct numbering?? Whatever! Anyway, that meant couriering another alternator from the Gold Coast which should arrive the following morning. Thankfully they gave us a loan vehicle which was pretty cool to drive- a new Ford Ranger. We found accommodation easily and enjoyed wondering around the town. That evening, whilst eating Domino's pizza, we decided to lay aside any frustration and just enjoy this unplanned stay over. After all, nothing happens by accident. So we did.

The next morning, Ford called to say that the alternator had missed the truck and would now be arriving on Friday. Urghh!! Because we had already decided to lay aside the frustration and negativity around this situation, it was surprisingly easy to accept this news. We decided to continue to view this as an opportunity to let go and trust that this was a divinely appointed interruption with a good intention. Both John and I spent some solo time reflecting again. It's amazing how this 'frustrating situation' brought about a change in both of our perspectives on particular parts of our life and also on how we would like it to look for us in 2024. I had already done my planning, but suddenly new potentials opened up to us individually, as a couple and as an extended family living together in Bundy. A clarity in our vision and goals for the year ahead began to form. I love it and can't wait to get back to Bundy to physically begin this new chapter :)

So where are we now? Well, we were sitting down by a beautiful river, but the oppressive heat has driven us to seek some cool relief. For now we're sitting at the Tourist hotel. Hopefully we'll have some good news soon - "the part has arrived and your car will be ready by ... "

But for now we'll focus on remaining in that state of trust and surrender, even though we are both resisting becoming antsy with all the excitement of just wanting to get started.

UPDATE:

We have finally arrived safely home. Whilst concluding my blog, we received the call that the car was ready to be collected. Yay!! We are very happy to be back home with Tim, Amelia and Willow :) Those 2 days however, have been such a blessing in terms of our forward planning particularly as a couple. John and I had some great conversations which in all honesty, were long overdue. So here's to the new year and an encouragement to you to embrace any unwelcome interruptions. You never know what can unfold. And even if they come with a huge financial cost, try to surrender to God and trust that what you will receive is of far greater benefit and value.

A happy and blessed new year to all of you :).

LIVE PASSIONATELY

LIVE BOLDLY