Car Trouble - Hannah

Yesterday we had the great idea to go deliver some small Christmas gifts to neighbors and friends. After a few stops, we pulled in front of the homes of the Branch President and the Primary President, who live next door to each other. After the delivery and a brief chat, we got in the car to leave. Michael turned the key in the ignition... and nothing.

Michael tried a few more times and opened the hood to see what he could find. One of the connections to the battery had had some corrosion, so previously it had been hesitant to start. But Michael had tightened up the connection and cleaned it up a bit (despite not having many tools here), and it had been better. But even tightening the connection again didn't help the car to start this time.

By that time President Lopez and Jonathan, the Primary President's husband, came outside to see what they could do to help. It was fairly embarrassing and unfortunate that in our attempt to do something to say thank you for all the help and kindness, we then end up in a situation needing more help and kindness.

President Lopez was in his nice white Sunday shirt, helping to clean the corrosion off the battery. He and Jonathan also helped us push the car to see if we could get it started rolling down a hill. But still there was nothing.

President Lopez then contacted a mechanic friend, who soon drove up on his motorcycle to take a look. The mechanic was on his way to a futbol (soccer) game so couldn't stay long. But he said he could come to our house on Monday, which is today.

After the mechanic left, President Lopez hooked up our car to his, and towed us home.

Michael and I were both very touched by everyone's kindness. I'm sure it wasn't how the President and Jonathan wanted to spend their Sunday afternoon. Perhaps we'll have to bring them a bigger box of chocolates to say thank you for their help after our failed attempt to say thank you.

As far as where that leaves us with the car, Michael is thinking that the battery needs to be replaced. We've recently had the alternator repaired, so it's likely not that. But I do hope we can get it taken care of today. We're going to the airport this evening to pick up my parents who will be here for a week, and I'm so excited to have them here. If worse comes to worse, we'll pick them up in a taxi.