This Too Shall Pass

Oh wow...I don't even know where to begin. All I can do is sit here and smile at the spectrum of events that have unfolded since I last posted.

Before we move on to more exciting things, the series of events actually began with a major snowstorm (following that foggy Monday morning) that put me in terror as I drove to school the following morning before the plows were out. When I finally made it, it took great effort to get my tense fingers unclenched from the steering wheel. That afternoon I refused to get back in my car to go to Fareway, so I walked. Yes, in this day and age when we have cars to drive us through the city-I walked. Not that it displeased me; in fact, it was safer, better exercise, and not even very far or extremely cold. It was just the lady I met at the door who wasn't very impressed.

I don't know why she thought I was crazy.

The notable occasions seemed to be coming to an end as I went through that uneventful weekend. Of course, that was just a breather.

Last week was likewise busy, which is why I had Billy post about the Robodogs for something exciting on our blog. Within a week, that post has gotten the most page views of any in this blog's history, besides the Christmas post. I told Billy that means he is an awesome blogger and needs to keep posting to keep things interesting. He told me ha ha ha.

Yay for the Robodogs!

The spectrum of events continued with our single group mystery traveling dinner, which I can now reveal was to Congerville. Since people didn't know where we were going until we got to each place, it was rather entertaining. We ended up  having courses at homes of several couples with Oakville connections, and went to church in Congerville Sunday. It was a wonderful weekend and great to see everyone!

The food they served was more delicious than the best pancakes you ever had! (I didn't take a picture of their meal so I had to find the next-best thing.)

But the best is yet to come. We stopped to eat in Burlington when we got back, and as we were getting ready to leave, my car (the Alero) wouldn't start. From my previous similar experiences, I was fairly certain it wasn't the battery and that there was nothing we could do about it. I felt completely helpless because I had to get back to college! I ended up draining the battery and then having a kind friend jump start it for me. I drove it all the way to Mediapolis, but my parents advised that I leave it there so they could fix it (it was the starter and has since been replaced). I took the Buick back to school.

Yep-that's the Buick. Parked in front of our tropical North Liberty condo.

The end? No. My evening of unfortunate events had only begun. When I got back to my place, I pulled into the garage and tragedy awaited. And it was not a crocodile.

How tragic! A crocodile in the garage!

Remember, this car was the Buick. It got stuck coming into the garage! Yes, it was apparently too big and I got stuck. The left side of the car was wedged up against the siding and I couldn't move any direction without making loud screeching noises and threatening to tear off the siding or drive through the wall in front of me.

Yeah. No comment.

At this point in the evening, it was 11:00 because of the previous circumstances. I was exhausted. I knew nobody within a 45 minute drive. Everyone was asleep at the apartments. And my car was stuck half-in, half-out of my garage. I don't typically get emotional, but I was way too tired to think of any more positive thoughts. I just started crying and called my mom.

The security cameras got this classic picture of me when I got out of the car.

The story could go on with much detail, but basically we ended up calling the dispatch and a cop came and got me out of my sticky situation. "Hope the rest of your night goes better!" Right. Me too!

At 11:45 pm on Sunday night, I finally got started on my homework. :) I had never been so happy for Sunday to end.

Ok, so the above illustrations are not an entirely accurate demonstration of the sad distress I was really going through.

That day's lesson: There is one positive thought that can remain with you through almost any circumstance: This too shall pass. And when it has passed, I can look back and see that God never left my side! He protects me and provides for my every need, no matter how grim the day may appear. I am so thankful that He has kept me safe thus far during my time at college.

So, that too did pass. The rest of my week has gone considerably well, despite the absence of my roommate. She should be home by next week, and in the meantime I have been productive until now.

I haven't much to add. Hope you have a good week!