Well, yesterday was a very interesting day and on a whole, and I can not say it was my favorite, rather one of my least favorites, although there were certain points in the day that were neat.
We began our day looking for some parking (which in Frisco is crazy not to mention if you have an RV almost near impossible!) We just about had it when we saw a spot open up that was NOT metered, yet quite a hike to the wharf area. We were happy to have found it with out having to completely leave town and prepared ourselves for the hike with some tuna melt sandwiches for lunch. Nick got the stroller down from on top of the RV (we had no idea how handy that would come later on) and we headed for the wharf.
It was our plan to begin our day by blessing others so we practiced for our serenade that we were going to give the public down at the pier in hopes to earn some cash for the homeless. We have been giving them money and feeding them as we see them, but this was something the girls were really pumped about and so it was.
We were a bit scared at first, Nick and I both knowing we couldn’t back down, this was a valuable lesson to teach our kids—stand up for what you believe in. See, there were magicians, and performers of the world, but no one singing Christian music, and especially not a family with kids. We made a sign that stated our intentions and began to set up “camp”. We got a lot of blank stares and a few “are you kidding me” looks and then our first donation-$5.00 right of the bat! God Bless that woman. And then a young girl who gave and then came back and gave again. We were able to raise $8.75 in 20 minutes and then we got shut down. IN a very nice manner, a security guard for the Pier 39 informed us that we were not allowed to play on the Pier 39 premise. We could go across the street, but we couldn’t play there. He was very nice about it and even said, “I feel like doo doo for having to ask us to leave” and so we decided to ask him to take a picture with him for our blog.
The kids loved the sea lions. This morning one of the first things Hannah said was, “Mommy I liked those sea lions yesterday. That was so fun.” I am glad she remembers the fun of the day because it got a lot crazier and I am certain that it is Satan’s attempts to disturb our trip and discourage us because the singing at the wharf was very uplifting. Which, by the way, the money we raised I gave to the kids to give to any poor or homeless person throughout the day. What a great feeling for them.
Next we decided to head to China town and that was a good mile or so hike. I kept asking the kids if they were sure if they wanted to do the haul and they said yes. We attempted to catch a bus a couple times, but they never stopped for us (and it wasn’t just us who were waiting either). China town was neat and the girls really loved looking in all the little shops. I was in heaven with the amount of fresh fish and produce there was. All the shoppers at the markets was almost like the stock exchange on Wall street—people yelling there orders and waving and the mere volume of the markets was incredible—both in people and in sound. We ate at a quiet little spot despite the several flyers we received with bribes of free pot stickers and other such things to get us into their establishments. I fell for that the last time I was in Frisco—a lot of bait and switch. The food was wonderful and we began to relax a bit even after a short lived scare of a lost cell phone (boy that wouldda been preferred compared to what happens next). We were nourished and ready to begin our hike back to our RV. The Frisco hills did a number on the kids’ stamina and our meal was quickly burned off within the first half mile. I loved the hike—what a great work out—but the kids were quickly fading as well as the sun and we still hadn’t made it back to our RV. For an instance we began to fret that we were lost, but then reality hit that we weren’t. We were standing at one particular corner, looking lost and searching our map for where we were supposed to be and a nice man stopped and reassured us that we were headed in the right spot. But where was that RV? We couldn’t see it down the streets that we peered down…our RV was gone. After pacing the same block three or so times….it was evident that we all knew we couldn’t all possibly be insane and our RV had vanished. How does an RV vanish? Well first thing we thought was it got towed and I’m not so sure that was even preferable. I think I almost rather it got stolen because after a $20 taxi fare back to right back from where we had just hiked (over 20 blocks) and $300 dollars later we were able to take possession of our home. I never felt so angry, defeated and beat up in my life. I wanted to hit someone, scream, yell and cry all at once.
Why?
Next we needed to get to a store for some formula for Zeke who was now in his seat and throwing a fit. We stopped at Costco and I knew it was not going to be a good stop as it looked so much like a Sam’s Club and I was sure I would need a membership. I approached the entrance and asked the greeter if this was the case and she affirmed my suspicions. I asked her if she could point me in the direction of another store and barely speaking English…she said no. Tears began to well up in my eyes and it must have been pretty apparent at how I was feeling because another store associate saw me and motioned for me to come to her. She said, “I overheard you honey and you say you just need some formula for your baby.” I gulped through the lump in my throat, nodded and said yes. She walked me over to a help desk and leaned into a manger and got a code and led me to the formula and got me to the check out. This may seem small, but this gesture felt like the biggest hug at a moment I needed it most! I gave the lady a hug and thanked her from the bottom of my heart.
I know God isn’t to blame for the events of yesterday. We could have read the fine print on the sign closer that stated from 4-6 PM cars parked in that area would be towed. (How silly anyhow…two measly hours!) And they wait for it. Our vehicle got towed just minutes after 4PM. I will not be defeated by Satan and his evil devices. The RV has constantly been under repair and we have not yet been able to use all the facilities of this vehicle at one time (also creating a bit of frustration). Nick has been constantly repairing this house…today it was a leak under the bathroom sink and a leak on the outside of the RV having to do with the water intake. He handled it well and was repaired in no time. I wish he would have no where else to go at home sometimes when I need him to do repairs. All of this junk… it’s just Satan….he wants me to be angry and to let that anger spread viscously to my family and to anyone else I can infect. He wants us to head home and worry about things that wouldn’t matter if we worried about at home or in our RV. He wants us to stop helping others and start feeling helpless and if it’s a war he wants it’s a war he gets and the funny thing is he knows he can’t win…God promises us that. So doo doo on you buddy! Chris is my Rock and if I am for Christ than no one…no one can be against me and whom do I have to fear????
Please pray for continued strength for our family. We sure have had our unfortunates and would love for God’s blessings for less of them. I know that when you’re feeling down one of the best things you can do is praise God and help others. Self pity is a work of the enemy and I refuse. It’s a beautiful day.