Limping Home (Part 2)

For those of you interested in the continuing adventure saga that wed are caught up in these days, here is an update. Please use this information as you think of and pray for us.

After being without our beloved Gray Lady, we received the discouraging news this morning that the problem is NOT the engine problem that we were anticipating. Apparently the computer error code is indicating a mis-firing of two of my four cylinders, and no compression in them. You know, that sounds familiar. My body has been there on and off for a few months now! Possibility was suggested that it might be carbon build up on the valves but they need to disassemble it to find out. If that was the problem it would cost 625.00 to clean it up and put it back together. Once again my oil was 2 quarts low after just 800 miles. So we were in the odd position of praying that the problem was NOT one with an expensive fix but rather something more serious!

This afternoon’s report was encouraging in that we were told that doing the work today did NOT fix it. I think that means we don’t have to pay anything but not sure about that entirely. The case has been referred now by the dealership to the district manager with a request for an engine replacement. It is in his hands at this point. No word on how long it will take for a decision.

In the meantime, we will be relying on UBER/LYFT, Enterprise Car Rental, and the generous help of friends in order to get around, groceries, doctor and physical therapy. We will not be taking any Sunday afternoon drives in the country.

Here is how to pray:

1. Pray that the district manager will be favorable to the replacement of the engine under the extended warranty … (free of charge)
2. Pray that if the dealership cannot provide an appropriate loaner vehicle (they are limited in number and most of them require a can opener for me to get in and out of … and some of them are even electric … UGH!) that KIA will provide for rental costs under the warranty.
3. Pray regarding the loss of rideshare income. It is likely to take as much as two weeks for repairs. I’m not permitted to drive in a vehicle that is not in my name as the owner so driving a rental vehicle is out of the question.
4. Pray for quicker repair time than 2 weeks.
5. Pray for me and for my girlfriend. Quite honestly this whole year thus far has been one of the toughest times we have ever had and it has tested our faith. It feels like we are running downhill with a huge boulder rolling down behind us. We are still ahead of it, but it requires a lot of pausing to remind ourselves of God’s faithfulness and provision. That being said, I would prefer to step aside and let the boulder pass and be behind it instead of in front of it!
6. Pray that our current vehicle issues will be finally resolved when this is all done. The body and interior has been well maintained. We replaced the transmission because of an issue at 50,000 miles so it only has 100K on it. To have a new engine would mean we can drive it for some time into the future … hopefully until the Lord comes and then it can sit and rot!

On the health front: We head for Iowa City tomorrow (in a rented 2024 Chrysler Pacifica) for consult with the Neurologist at University Hospital. He has to sign off on Watchman device plan since they have to put me on a blood thinner during the procedure. He has the results from the CT scan a couple weeks ago but insists on face to face consult.  We will be going to Davenport after the appointment to complete the previously pre-empted trip to celebrate Father’s day and my girlfriend’s birthday and then return home on Thursday afternoon. Then on the 25th we talk with the surgeon in Dubuque about the removal of the melanoma tumor.

I am so thankful for the friendship of the late Ansley Young and his help in getting a 5 star supplemental health insurance policy to go along with Medicare. We’ve had nary a single bill for either of the knee replacements, nor anything that has happened since the beginning of the year. Praise the Lord!

Lots to pray for and we appreciate every moment you take to pray for us!

T