We had been visiting with my family in Iowa for 6 weeks, so it was hard to say goodbye. As we were leaving, my dad hugged me close and said “I love you. Now go have some GREAT adventures!”. My mom got teary-eyed, but knew that we will be returning soon.
We say our final goodbyes and shut the door. As we are pulling away, I continued to snap photos of my family waving and being silly. A few blocks away, I remembered that I had left my brand new Klean Kanteen water bottle (I lost my old one! Grrrrr…) on the counter in the kitchen. I call my mom and she meets us in the Wal-Mart parking lot so we don’t have to maneuver the city streets again. Moms are the best.
About ½ hour out, we stop at the rest stop to dump our tanks for the first time. It went well. If you’ve seen the movie, RV, you know that much can go wrong. Matt was a pro.
However, after an outside inspection, we realized that the brake lights that attach to our car (that we were towing) had stopped working again. Matt was having trouble with them back in Des Moines, but we thought they were fixed.
I took advantage of the free wi-fi at the rest stop while he worked diligently on them in the dark. We thought about just staying until morning, but unfortunately, we were in a position where we couldn’t back up and park. We could only pull forward onto the interstate or stay right there at the dumping station.
Matt finally figured out the problem with the brake lights. He came in, started the engine, and discovered that the dash lights were now off. It turns out that we could have either/or, but not both. Hmmmmm. He went back out and then saw that nothing was working again. He finally got everything working and we set off. About ½ hour down the road…we were too tired to continue. So we ended up staying overnight at the next rest area and waking up early the next morning to continue.
Like shut up!!!! This is soooo stinkin’ cool. Ok, you have to come to Maine. And you have to visit me here. Seriously. I would be floored. OK…. off to email you. This is sooooo stinkin’ cool…. let me repeat… sooo stinkin’ cool.
Comment by Jess H. — June 22, 2007 @ 12:58 am
Wow! This sounds like a real thrilling adventure and a great opportunity to spread important information. Good luck to you and I will enjoy following along online.
Comment by Carmen — June 22, 2007 @ 1:23 pm
hi there!
first off i want to thank you. you have been a huge inspiration to me. you’ve stirred my pot and gotten me and my life moving in a positive direction again.
second, wow. your new adventure sounds amazing and i can’t wait to hear more about it. if i come across any events happening in tucson i’ll let ya know.
third, we need inside pics of the rv!
Comment by granolapunk — June 22, 2007 @ 3:49 pm
Praise Jesus for handy husbands!!!!! I’m so excited for the year ahead of you!!!!!!
Comment by francie pants — June 22, 2007 @ 3:56 pm
Sounds like you are off to a pretty good start! I am praying for you guys, have a safe trip home and all over the US.
Comment by Ellie — June 22, 2007 @ 7:09 pm
this is all so exciting strong heart….i cant wait to read the next entry….please keep in touch…
Comment by mmorning glory — June 22, 2007 @ 7:31 pm
So, about what will you guys be charging for your services? I know that’s a big and bold question, but I’m trying really hard to think of a way to get you here! haha We don’t have much to offer you guys. I do need a couple small rooms painted though. The only other thing I can think of, is a huge farm festival held every year the second week in October. We’re in southern Ohio, right along the river. Maybe we could do something with the kids at church?? I don’t know! I’d love to have a better idea of how you will decide what to charge people. I want to meet you!
Comment by Tracie (boobs on mdc) — June 28, 2007 @ 2:13 pm
If you don’t mind telling us. Do the 2 of you work? I don’t understand how you have the money to do this?
Comment by Lori — July 18, 2007 @ 1:28 pm