Hit by a cement truck

Actually, seriously I did.  It sounds far worse than it actually is.  It was actually a dump truck for the City of Victoria, Concrete Division.

I went into a store to buy Kent's Christmas gift, I had been looking for months and I decided to go in today and barter with them.

It worked, I got $100 taken off the cost and a freebie thrown in--because I am just that good at bartering AND they were a little desperate to make a sale.

As I went into the store, the City workers acknowledged me.  One waved, one did a head nod-thing.

When I came out of the store, a City worker was standing at the back of my car. Taking down my licence plate number.

He said, I hit your car.  It's my fault.  I am so sorry.  Is it new?

I said, yes, I've only had it 2 weeks.

He did a facepalm.  I said not to worry.

We exchanged information and I thought be gracious to this poor guy!

I went home, hiding Kent's Christmas present--and made lunch.

THEN

I posted a request on FB about sponsorship to go to NYC.  I decided I didn't have time to write letters.  I prayed that if I were to go, the money would be provided by God's direction....

THEN

We went to vote, Jamie's first time!  When they gave me the ballot, I asked if I got the winning ticket.  The two men at the desk laughed.  As we were walking out, we ran into one of Kent's former co-workers.  It was overwhelming and I was holding my tears in--barely.

As we walked out, my tears just came.  Everyone loves Kent, wants Kent to use them as a reference, but he has no job!

I said to God today, I just don't understand.  Why are we here--like this!

I feel like I am on an emotional roller coaster....

THEN

While later, there was a knock on the door.  And there he is, the man who hit my car.  At first, I was shocked but I am learning, nothing is unusual right now....I immediately introduced him to Kent.

He told me he had made a report at work, he has talked to ICBC and he apologized again.  He then handed me a small piece of what looked like blue paper.

I said thank you, and closed the door.

I looked at the paper, it was a $100 gift certificate for dinner out.  I looked at Kent and said, "Wooooo!  We have a date!"

Then I logged back onto FB and there it was in black and white.

Sponsorship.

Through the generosity of 2 families I am heading back to New York.  December 30-January 7.

Thank you God.  Thank you to the families who were obedient in generosity.  I am overwhelmed--God is good to me.

I said earlier, that if you take a step back and look at the big picture of this year, it looks pretty bleak.  When you look closely, and examine it day by day, sometimes, like today hour by hour...I have to say, God is good.  He has carried us through one of THE toughest 18 months of our lives.

When I was looking at the damage to the car, I thought, "(Slow Clap) Nice try Satan, nice try."  I laughed and immediately set to putting at ease the City worker.

God works in amazing ways, I was reminded last night at CPC Nights, that our words can affect the people around us.  I could've jumped up and down and gotten all mad at the poor guy, but what would that have benefited me?

I probably wouldn't be going out for a dinner date with Kent....that's for sure.