Breakdown!

"Katie, when you buy a car, never buy one that breaks down," Daddy told me. "Never."

Oh, breakdowns couldn't be that big of a deal. I could just picture myself by the side of a quaint, country road, wrench in hand; perhaps laying under an old classy car with my hair pulled back in a bandana. I had never experienced a car falling apart. It sounded adventuresome. Maybe a bit romantic.

I was wrong.

This month, our van finally broke down. Engine trouble!

Thankfully, we were "stranded" for almost two weeks in a great place...my Mama Joy's home in Fullerton, California! Our cousins were also staying there and together we had a blast.

Us three older girls and Christina, our fun-loving cousin, took advantage of Mama Joy's thrift store shopping, and rode those retro bikes all around town. Aside from feeling like my ride was going to fall apart with every turn of it's wheels, I felt biking was a very reliable source of transportation--seeing that I was the engine (in good working order).

When we did want to go to the beach, or a water park, or a friend's home as a family, we drove a car. It brought our close family even closer. Literally.

Enter, the Buick Enclave (Daddy's work car).

Seats seven legally; fits thirteen comfortably (if your definition of "comfortable" is Baylor's foot on your head, Kloe's shoulder in your ribs, heavy compression from your two floor mates, and a crying baby on your lap). Good memories.

We Love you, Mama Joy! 

Kordelia (Kordi) Mae turned 1!!!

Yes. We are surrounding an empty chair. Don't ask why...because I don't think anyone knows. =)

After our van received its new motor, Mother and us kiddos decided to drive North. However, Daddy stayed behind for work reasons. We had a wonderful time in So Cal and I was reminded once more that
even in "unwanted" events, God is totally in control. 

God always knows what's best!

Let's see, what have I learned this month...First of all, God plans better vacations than I can. Number two, God allowed our car to break down. That time turned out to be a wonderful bonding time with family and friends. Hmmm. There is no third point. What's up with that?

Time for breakdown #2

Ahhh, here it is. I have heard that God speaks in a still, quiet voice, but this time he seems to be yelling.

"Katie, do you trust me? Can you see that I know what you need...perfectly? Will you give me every, single, one of your plans and let me change them?"

As I write this I am in Sacramento. Our one night stay at our Uncle and Aunt's has turned into two...possibly more. They have been so hospitable! The van is at the dealer, with it's new motor threatening to keep us in Sacramento for a couple of weeks. But I can trust my Creator. He knows what's best even when I don't have the slightest clue what tomorrow will hold. But really, I never know.

What I do know, is this: God knows best. Praise the Lord!

Jesus planned for us to jet ski with our awesome cousin, Parker!

Building a raft. These weeds actually held the logs together for awhile. However,  Robinson Crusoe was blessed to be stranded on a tropical island--we could have used some vines.

So...it was a bit skinny and long. Very aerodynamic.

Can't wait to see what the future holds! =)

                                                          ~Katie

Isaiah 55:8-9

⁸ For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.
⁹ For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

P.S. I wrote this a couple days ago. Today, July 5th, we are safely home!