Are you wondering why I would name this post "The Journey to Omaha: The Movie?" Well, read on because once you see what I been through just to move to Omaha, you would think it was a horror movie!
On Thursday, January 9, 2014 Larnell flew to Virginia to help me pack my things. Our plan was to drive my car, a 2005 Chevy Cobalt from Virginia to Nebraska. Yes, it was an older car and it had miles on it, but I had two mechanics check everything for me to make sure I wouldn't have a problem driving it long distance. They both gave me the ok. The next day, we had a going away party which was held at my mother's house. So many of my family and friends attended. They gave us gifts and wished us luck in our marriage. We had a wonderful time. My stepfather pulled me aside and expressed his concern for my car. He said that he knows it won't make it to Omaha because it's an older model. I reassured him that it should be fine since I have fixed everything on the car to prepare me for this trip. He shook his head, but said ok.
The next morning at 6:00a.m., we woke up to my parents cooking us breakfast for our long drive ahead. They prayed with us and they hugged the both of us. My sister was the only one that cried when she hugged me. I was very surprised my mom didn't cry, but I knew the tears would come after I leave. Larnell and I got in the car and we began our road trip, with me driving first. As we were making our way to West Virginia, we were laughing at each other and listening to music. Then, we reached a hilly highway. When we reached the hill, my car began to stall. I was nervous. Larnell stepped out of the car trying to figure out what was wrong. He didn't see anything so we called my stepfather. He told us that we need to make sure we have the car in another gear when going up a hill. Feeling crazy, we turned on the car, shifted to the next gear, and we were rolling again. We then approached the beautiful mountains. In some areas, it was really foggy, so we had to be careful driving around the tight corners. Then, the car started acting up again. Larnell decided that we should find a car shop to see what's wrong with the car. We arrived in this small country town at this rink-a-dink mechanic shop. We walked in and saw a man that looked like a hillbilly! But he was nice and told us he can look at our car for us. While we were waiting, I couldn't help but to think that maybe my stepdad was right. I should have sold the car and purchase a rental. I was so determined to get my car to Omaha because I didn't want to be without one. After an hour the mechanic told us that he didn't see anything wrong with it and we should be good to go. I put my worries aside, took a deep breath and got in the car once again to continue on the road.
We drove for about a hour, and we made it to Charleston. This time, the car was making a loud, scratching noise. It almost sounded like it was scratching against medal. This time, I was terrified. Yes, I was with my husband, but I was still scared because I was in an unknown place and couldn't figure out what was wrong with my car. Larnell told me to keep calm and let's find a chevy dealership and pray that they can spot the problem. We found one and when we arrived, a lady came out and told us there weren't any mechanics on duty and we would have to come back on Monday. Monday?! What?? It's 3pm on a Saturday! Larnell and I looked at each other in disbelief. We could not understand why a dealership didn't have any mechanics on a Saturday! We have used our GPS and the internet on our phones to try to find a mechanic to help us. We went to two car shops and both were closed, not understanding why. I was frustrated! I told Larnell to park the car at the Family Dollar we had passed and I called AAA. After they figured out where we was they told us that a tow truck was on the way. Finally! I thought. We waited a little over an hour, and no one showed up. I was livid. I called them to find out what's going on. They said that they are trying to find someone to come out. Find someone?! Wow! I couldn't believe that we were going through this. I just wanted my car fixed so we can leave, not to mention there was a crazy looking man that kept walking in front of my car making me nervous! After thirty minutes, a tow truck finally showed up. He couldn't tell us what was wrong with the car, so he towed our car and we got in the truck with him. He told us he will take it to a shop to see what could be the problem. Believe it or not, he took us to one of the shops that we went to. We told him that it is closed, but he said they weren't. He got out the car, knocked on the door, and someone was in there. Wow! The mechanic came out and looked under the hood of the car. He said, "Ma'am, I'm sorry to tell you this, but your engine is shot." I went to Larnell and cried on his shoulders. I couldn't believe my car was dead! I asked the mechanic what were my options. He said that he can put an engine in it but he suggests that I should get another car. I cried even more. Larnell tried to console me, but I was so upset. Maybe this was the Lord showing me that I made a mistake. Maybe I should have waited. I wanted to go back home. Larnell asked them what was up with so many places closed on a Saturday. Come to find out, West Virginia was a part of the bible beltway where they shut down early Saturday until Monday. My eyebrows were raised. I was in complete shock. It felt like I was in a horror movie. Nothing was going as planned. We were stuck in the middle of nowhere.
Stay tuned next week for part 2...
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