One of the bigger challenges in my life abroad is keeping up with all of the hoops that one must go through to continue to keep a vehicle street legal. To further complicate the situation, my van has plates from a neighboring state; therefore, everything must be done in that state. Since things are a little different, people in my state can't tell me where to go or what to do. I just have to figure it out.
First was the trip to Guadalajara to get something I needed in July. Fortunately, a Mexican friend was able to go with me, and we bumbled around the city until we found the right office. Then this month I had to take the van in for what they call verification. Only certain mechanics are authorized to do this. So, I needed to drive to a town in the other state and locate one of these shops. Last week I drove an hour to a town across the state line, spent over an hour driving around and asking people if they could direct me (receiving responses like "What's a verification center?" or "I think you have to go to Aguascalientes for that.") One man directed me to a place where there wasn't even a shop. Finally, I drove the hour back home without accomplishing the goal.
Yesterday I set out for a different town, over an hour and a half away. I had done my research in advance this time. I had gone online and managed to find the address of an alleged center. Once I finally reached the town, oriented myself, and found the address, I was a bit discouraged to discover that there was no longer a center at that address. More time driving, looking, and asking led me to someone who directed me to the driver's license office. The second person I talked to there managed to tell me that there was a center across from the bus station. Of course, I had to ask for better directions. At this point my stress and frustration levels had risen to the point that I decided that if I didn't find the place he was talking about, I would head home.
Finally, I found success! There was a very nice woman in the shop's office who not only helped me but sat and chatted with me while the guys checked the van. As is typical, she asked questions about where I was from and why I came to Mexico. That led to a conversation about our Bible studies, giving me the opportunity to ask if she read the Bible. She explained how busy she was (although I couldn't help but think that if she had time to sit and visit with me today, surely she could find time to read the Bible some days). As I was about to leave, I grabbed the Spanish Bible that I keep in my van and gave it to her. I also asked for her name and promised to pray for her.
The drive home gave me time to reflect on how God had worked through a very tough situation to bring a blessing. Although she lives too far away for me to do much follow-up, I am actually looking forward to the next time my van needs verified! I know exactly where to go, and it will give me an opportunity to check in with her. Please join me in praying for Grisela and for her family.
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