Is Radiator Fluid Really Necessary?

** Note: to skip all the Blah Blah, scroll down for pictures :) **

Just a random question really, but as we found out - not once but three times over the course of this weekend -it really IS kind of necessary... especially if one plans to get back home!

Christmas Day we headed to Wiggins, MS, for the wedding of the year! Well, maybe just the last wedding this year, but never the less it was fabulous! KP is now K&SP! It was a beautiful ceremony and a gorgeous 70 degree Winter Day! I love the south!

We had an uneventful trip down... which for a 1300+ mile trip one way is a good thing!

Our white Chevy Conversion van is now affectionately dubbed "The Electric Cloud". It was tricked out with 4 cell phones, 5 IPods, 1 DVD player and a 13" TV, 1 game cube, two 2-plug power inverters, 1 laptop, 1 PSP, and 1 leapster! I may actually be missing something, but needless to say the Jalowiec Clan was Plugged In!!!!! It was fun to watch as the hours clicked away they settled in and one by one detached from their respective techy gadget, and had some serious knock down drag out fights real fun and conversation with their siblings. After a few hours of that, they each made their "nest" and went to sleep. There were pillows and blankets covering every square inch of the interior of the van! Dan and I are So Thankful for technology. What difference driving is with your favorite preachers along! Hours of David Gibbs, Dan Proctor, Ravi Zacharias, Alistair Begg, and of coarse our own Pastor Grace. The time clicked away and we enjoyed the trip. Our brains were engaged and it made the 43 hours on the road beneficial in more ways than just getting from point A to point B and back again!

After we got to Gulf Port and had a few hour rest, the slight smell of radiator fluid didn't send any red flags up until we started to drive the 40 minute trip to the wedding rehearsal. The "Check Gauges" light shone like a beacon of doom, and the engine temp was nearing the danger zone... QUICKLY! We stopped at a little gas station and were pleasantly introduced to good 'ol southern hospitality. After a few gallons of water, we decided to continue the trip and limped it along for the next day... only Sunday morning to discover the small leak in a coolant line had become a bit of a rushing stream. Limp again the few miles to Red Creek Baptist Church for service, and pray for a mechanic in the congregation! This vehicle was going no where in this state- especially 1300+ miles back home! Praise God for Brother Greg! He pulled our van over a gully, expertly removed the broken part, and repaired it with a modified piece! We had a relaxing afternoon in the sanctuary while the repair was being completed, and were on our way! The engine had no water at least three separate times- and who knows how many of the miles getting there we were precariously close to blowing the engine! God is so GOOD and the repair was a success. We were able to drive home safely and without event.

This was a very good "pre deputation" trial run with the kids, the van, and M.A.N.Y. hours on the road... and I am still looking forward to our future "happy trails" and "on the road again" days ahead of us!

We decided to lollygag out of MS, and took a drive along the Gulf Coast. After Katrina, the landscape has still yet to recover. The children loved getting their feet wet in the Gulf, and looking for shells. What a great time! The weather was gorgeous, the sun was bright, and water was cool. Enjoy the pictures!

I am beginning to like feet pictures!

Little Savannah in her Wedding Finery :)

On the coast, a local artist carved many of the devastated Oak Trees
into gorgeous works of art along the highway.

These dolphins were stunning. Almost like they were swimming in the sky :)

Karate Kids!

We acquired two new family members.
We shall see how long they last. Poor babies :(

How about this for the prayer card pic?!
I love camera timers... and even more, older children that know how to use them!

They loved it! Warm and Sunny. Quite a contrast from NY at this time of year.
Definitely a nice break!