Friday morning, as frequent readers will recall, our family hopped in the truck to visit some friends in the central Maine area. It was a long trip, about 2 hours and we had gotten directions from Google Maps, which are usually pretty accurate. It turns out that these directions were accurate, but missing a detail or two which led us to take the wrong left turn onto ME Route 23. Funny enough, there are 2 left turns onto ME 23 in the same town within half a mile of each other. Evidently, the road comes winding in to town and then back out again. So, we turned left on the first one instead of the second and headed the wrong way. having never been to visit these folks before, we didn't even know we were on the wrong road.
A few miles up 23, we started looking for the road to turn onto next and crested a hill to find a sheet of ice on the other side. We were traveling about 35 mph(I think) and as soon as we hit the ice, the truck slid off the road. Since there is a lot of snow in that area, we ran head first into a 5 foot or more tall snowbank. This was a blessing, since in the oncoming lane there was an oil truck that could not have stopped or gotten out of our way. When the front end of the truck hit the snow bank, we had enough momentum to sling us around, nose in the ditch, and the rear of the truck bouncing across the ice, depositing us about 8 feet into the snow, turned the wrong way, with snow plowed into every crevice under the truck including the engine compartment. This thing was stuck.
As soon as we stopped, we realized everyone, including the smiling baby in the back seat was fine. We are a little sore, but completely fine otherwise. The running board on the driver's side got folded under and the tailgate will not open, but we were safe and the truck is drivable. I had a tote of sand in the back which slammed against the gate and caused it to somehow not operate anymore. I used the shovel in the back to start digging us out. About half way through the shoveling, the fiberglass handle snapped. I guess I don't know my own strength (or adrenaline frustration) so I continue on with half a shovel.
About this time, a van came past and stopped, hoping to push us out by hand. HA! Even with the wheels cleared and most of the truck freed, even in 4 wheel drive, we were still compressing a lot of snow that was lodging us off the ground. The fellows headed out, not being able to do much more and another truck came along that had a chain. His F250 4wd was able to do the job in no time at all.
Now we were back on the road and there seemed to be no damage to the truck, as far as safety of driving. Our friends met us on the road, (we called when we got stuck to let them know we would be late) and they had brought the cavalry with shovels in case we didn't get done before they get there. We followed them for a while, heading towards their home. When we got on the really bad roads near their house (picture the roads from Little House on the Prairie, but with snow and icy ruts) Ethan hopped into our truck and drove the rest of the way for us. With me not driving due to seizures, Sara being shook up from the accident, it was a welcome help from a true friend.
Arriving at the Hall home (a silo they trucked from Florida to Maine) we were welcomed and cared for in a way that I do not recall seeing before. This family is a group of Christians of the rarest variety. Servants and Godly folks, all. Everyone was preparing lunch, and we enjoyed the meal greatly. Living in a 4 story silo that is over 30 feet across the center, this home would never be referred to as anything but extraordinary. And while the home is unique, what we experienced there is so much more interesting.
We spent the day meeting the goats (one which pulls children in sleds, a treat for Virginia) and chickens, our older kids and I went sledding with some of the family. To give you an idea of the conditions of the road, I have to add that this is a private road, and everyone does their part in keeping it clear. The folks who live on the road purchased an old town plow truck, well past the age of retirement for most trucks. This plow was chugging up the road at about 15 feet per hour, it seemed. We went sledding on the road for 2 hours and never saw a car. We did see 4 snowmobiles and a 3 wheeler, but no cars. It was great, and everyone had a good time.
After our sledding adventure, we went inside and prepared for supper, another wonderful meal with soup and bread, popcorn, and more. We enjoyed the fellowship of this family so much. We also learned a lot about how we live. Anyone that knows us knows that we are not your average family, but we are also not the only ones who live as we do.
We are Christians that most consider conservative. We educate our children at home using mostly the Bible, along with lessons that we make up ourselves using the internet, various library books, and some other helps. Our family spends time together daily in God's Word, singing, memorizing scripture. Sara does not, nor will work outside the home. Our children are with us 24 hours a day (except sleeping) and we don't use babysitters or daycare. We are homesteaders, carefully planning our food out a year or more in advance. Plans for gardens and livestock are carefully planned in winter and executed in summer. We try to live simply and save money. We don't care much for shopping or the things the world has to offer. We don't watch much TV or go to the movies. The girls wear dresses or skirts, and we are very modest dressers. The ladies also cover their heads when worshiping and praying. We plan church activities first, and other activities later. We make God THE priority, not a priority.
Knowing that we try our best to live this way, and succeed mostly(not perfect by any means), we were interested in knowing how our family may look in a few years. Since this family has 7 kids, and the youngest is now 16, with 4 married, it encouraged us that folks that live like we do have raised a very loving family, united together, and living harmoniously(those left at home, plus a grandmother).
The love and respect the children (adult children included) show to their mom, dad, and grandmother is a testament that our goals are indeed possible. While washing dishes, the girls casually sing a hymn in 3 part harmony, voicing their praises to God, knowing He is worthy to be praised. After supper, everyone including us, the family, and their extended family (15 or so) sat around and opened our Bibles together. As the patriarch of the family led us in reading, we discussed what the passage meant and shared from our own lives. It was a wonderful time.
The servants heart of this family came through even more, when Sara and I sat down to listen to God's Word and two of the ladies got on the floor and started washing our feet. This act of service to us reminded me of Jesus washing the disciples feet, and of Mary washing Jesus feet with her tears. As a society, we miss a lot that we could learn from God in His Word. The principle that we should be servants to one another rather than simply looking out for our own interests is a foreign thought in today's world, it seems. But it is not so in this home, where the words of the Lord are given top priority. The family seems to have found that there is joy unspeakable in following Jesus and his example. It was a testimony to me, let me tell you now!
When it was time to leave(hours after we planned) we found ourselves desperate for more of this example. We do not wish to be served, or treated like kings and queens (although it felt that way), but rather to continue to be encouraged that God has set in place guidelines for our lives, and when we follow them through (again, no one being perfect, but trying our best) He will bless us and use us to encourage others to follow Him also.
I hope this doesn't seem to be glorifying any person, because I know these folks would not want that. I only share it because we as a family have been seeking ways to show God's love to others, and after our seeking, He has shown us a few examples to follow, and prodded us to stop thinking and start doing.
I hope some of you have been encouraged by this. I know I was. I hope everyone sees the importance of putting the Lord first, and letting Him decide what is right for us. We need to get out of the driver's seat and just let Him lead. You never know where He might put you, but you can be sure that He will bless you if you follow him.
Mark
