What A Day...

Hey Guys,

Today has been a very eventful day... to say the least. Lets go through the day in a sequential manner. First, we woke up and had an amazing breakfast. We made our own Bacon, Egg and Cheese sandwiches on toasted bagels. After a nice relaxing morning, I went to check the tire pressure on my car and found that my front caliper to my brake was barely hanging on. (For those who are not familiar with the term "Caliper" it involves the braking system on my car.) I then took off the tire and discovered that I was missing a bolt completely. So then, while the rest of the guys headed to the rim to check out the scenery, I went a hunt to see where I could find a bolt. One would think that it would be simple to find a single bolt... but they would be incorrect, as my experience today was not easy at all. (Before i rant about how difficult of a process this was, I will say that God's hand was definitely in the whole process, as you will see...) First, I went to the rangers station and they said that the park had its own car garage. So I went to the garage, and was welcomed warmly by two aged mechanics. I explained my issue, and they said they had a temporary solution in order to get me to Flagstaff AZ (2 Hour drive away from the park). I was expecting some type of labor charge, but to my surprise they said there was no charge. After, I headed to flagstaff to pickup the bolt that I called about. When I arrived, I found that the bolt was the incorrect thread size and was quite disappointed. After searching other part stores with the employee, we found that NAPA supposedly had the bolt I needed. Seeing that my car was jacked up in the parking-lot with no bolt, and in no condition to drive, the complete stranger employee lent me his car to go the NAPA store 5 miles up the road. I must admit, this is by far one of the craziest things I have done, but I was desperate. When I arrived at the NAPA I found that the bolt was the same bolt that the garage at the national park gave me, which was not the correct strength. Discouraged, I drove back to the other parts store and then the friendly stranger found that a Midas repair shop was open for 30 more minutes. I then drove over and they took a look. The mechanic then found in his spare parts bin (separated by brand of car, which was quite organized for a mechanic) the exact Subaru manufacture bolt needed. After a large sigh of relief, I again had expectations to pay parts and labor. Again, I was shocked with the news that there would be no charge at all. I cannot tell you how much God was with me in this entire ordeal. Its funny how God is so actively involved even in the small things of our lives.

After I returned from my all day adventure, the guys and I cooked some delicious hamburger helper and then headed to a local town called Tusayan. We then snuck into a Holiday Inn Express and used their pool and hot tub facilities. Then reveling in our success, we enjoyed some dollar menu McDonalds. What a day right? Tomorrow we are going to hike 9 miles down the Grand Canyon. No big deal :)

Love You All!

The Guys