“The KOA called; we don’t have to move sites.”
Ron’s words made me smile. When we planned our trip, we only booked our site through Sunday for some reason, but when I agreed to speak at Life Community Church (LCC) on Sunday, we knew we needed to add another night. Unfortunately, they only had a lakeside view for almost $200 available. And we would have to pack up and move Sunday morning, a logistical nightmare.
But yesterday, the KOA called with the good news: our site opened up for another night, and we wouldn’t have to move.
Thank You, Lord. An excellent start to our weekend in Mt. P. We arrived at 1:45 p.m.
Welcome to site 34, our first time on this side of the park. We have a great view until we get neighbors.
Meeting our friends, the Cooke’s and their grandchildren, Zoe and Aksel, we had dinner at Amalfi’s Italian Restaurant. We had a wonderful time catching up with them and enjoying delicious pasta.
The moon made a spectacular appearance, escorting us back to the campground for a good night’s sleep.
Rising early, I practiced my talk for Sunday morning before riding my bike around the campground and walking the pups while Ron got ready for his day.
The pups loved the nature trail and didn’t want to return to the camper.
Ron dropped me off at the Cooke’s before heading to Myrtle Beach to work. Lynda and I enjoyed a peaceful morning, walking on the beach, and then met Mike at Bon Banh Mi for lunch. Back to the Cooke’s afterward, we worked and napped before looking at the lot where the Hansen’s would soon begin building their new home and picking up the kids from school.
Once we picked the kids up, we headed to The Dime for ice cream, and then the kids showed me the trails around the shop. Heading home, the kids got ready for their play dates, and Ron picked me up so we could take care of our pups.
An afternoon shower entertained us as we enjoyed a cocktail. The dogs in the crate never felt a drop. Once the wind picked up and the awning started bending, we headed inside for showers before returning to the Cooke’s for dinner.
Another shower passed through in the morning, giving us a cool start to our day. As soon as it ended, families flocked from their trailers, kids playing in the puddles, riding bikes, and having fun.
Mike cooked us a delicious breakfast, and Ron took me to Hobby Lobby before heading back to the trailer to do chores. The truck’s right turn signal needed replacing, the hitch greased, and the air pressure in the tires checked.
While Ron did maintenance on the truck and trailer, I got ahead on my writing and then enjoyed an afternoon nap with the pups.
We enjoyed another fun evening at the Cooke’s, ordering Chinese and having wonderful conversations.
“I imagine this is what Beth Moore’s husband does before she speaks,” Ron said, setting my breakfast before me as I prepared to give the message at LCC. My hubby’s support of my writing and speaking truly gives me the wind beneath my wings.
Lord, thank You for such an amazing husband. I pray I honor him well every day You give us together, and I pray our days are many. In Jesus’s name, I pray. Amen
Carolina Butcher’s and Beer for lunch with the LCC gang. Good conversation, good food, wonderful friends!
At 1:56, Ron put the truck in gear, and we started the trek home, our hearts full after spending time with our LCC family.
Then, at approximately 4:30, the back passenger side’s steel belt broke, causing a massive explosion, damaging the truck and camper, and stranding us on I-95 North just past exit 150 in South Carolina for over two hours as we waited for help.
When we bought the Atlas, we received a year of free roadside assistance and took advantage of it today. Our knight in shining armor arrived two hours later. We spent the time in the shade, praying for protection and watching the cars fly by. It’s incredible how fast they go when you’re on the side of the road watching. The trailer would shake every time a car or 18-wheeler passed it, making us both nervous.
Texting with Lynda, also praying for us, I told her,
“It’s so life. One minute, you’re sailing along, not a care in the world, and the next minute, you’re on the side of the road, broken down, waiting for help.”
Finally, all glory to God, we arrived at North Point RV Resort at 9:32. Tired and exhausted, we didn’t unhook the trailer, thankfully, off the road and able to relax.
Walking the dogs after we parked, I saw the Billboard that summed up how we felt after our traumatic afternoon.
At 7:39 the next morning, we began the last leg of our trip home, praying no more events happened as we traversed the 190 miles left.