The One With The Drive Across The Country – Part 2 (the flat tire) (1/16/2013)

Although the potholes didn’t swallow our car eventually a jagged edge of the pavement got the better of our left rear wheel and we limped off the road with a flat tire.  To our great dismay, after unloading all of our bags, we discovered that the spare tire compartment was empty.  When we inquired of the small crowd of onlookers which was assembling around us, where the nearest tire store was, we were further discouraged to learn that we would have to either catch a bus for 80km in one direction or 110km in the other to get to a place that would sell tires. After reflecting on these options for only a few minutes a small Datsun-like car roared up in a cloud of dust and a heavy mechanic-like driver and his scrawny side kick emerged from it.  They removed the tire and offered to fit it for us in their nearby shop.  Not wanting to lose sight of such an essential part of our car, Dad accompanied them and reluctantly left Dahlia and me with the car, and a growing crowd.  Almost miraculously he returned 20 minutes later with a fixed wheel and we were shortly back on the road.  God certainly does put the people we need where we need them.