Catalytic Converters and God's Goodness

I have the coolest story to share!

It starts off not so cool. Wes and I were driving to West Virginia last weekend and the whole way it felt like our tire was going flat -- but it wasn't. Then about halfway into the four-hour drive, the engine light went on. It was pouring rain, and I had no idea what to do. I prayed like crazy and we made it the rest of the way to Charleston safely. I traded cars with my wonderful FIL, who took my Corolla to the shop while Wesley and I (and my MIL!) were in Morgantown. He had the tires rotated and aligned (which seemed to fix the flat-tire feeling) and had them hook the car up to their diagnostic system. They said the engine light could have come on due to a problem with the catalytic converter. (Don't worry about knowing exactly what that means -- you can just substitute the words "really expensive" into the sentences when you hear it.)

My wonderful FIL (he really is wonderful!) suggested I take it to the Toyota dealer when we got back to Louisville, but I was hesitant to do that because dealers are just SO expensive. I was lamenting my problems to Professor Stam in the office yesterday morning and he was quick to recommend a mechanic in Louisville: Fahey's Auto Service. He said that the owner was a Christian, very honest and hard working.

I took Stammer's advice and called Mr. Fahey just a few minutes later to explain my car's situation. He listened very closely and said that I could bring it in any time that day, that he would hook it up to the diagnostic machine free of charge (note: the Oxmoor Toyota dealership charges $90 just to run a diagnostic on your car!) and see what he could find. He also advised me that all vehicles made after 1995 fall under a Federal Emissions Warranty that covers 8 years or 80,000 miles. I protested that I bought the car used and didn't have any warranties, but he explained that this was different -- it's a federal mandate to help protect the air from extremely bad car emissions. He told me not to worry, that he would do all of the research for me, and that we'd cross that bridge after he diagnosed the vehicle. I was so impressed!

I took my car to his shop this morning and he told me he'd call me as soon as he knew anything. It didn't take him much time at all to call me and let me know that it was the catalytic converter. He suggested I take it to Oxmoor Toyota and have it fixed, as they could fix it for free under the emissions warranty. He even called and talked to a mechanic there and gave me his information.

Let me pause to say this: If you're in Louisville, please support Mr. Fahey. He has a little shop off of Bardstown road. He told me that times are tough right now, but he has to do the right thing and what will make him be able to sleep at night. He refuses to rip people off and told me that he was pleased that he could help me. This guy could've just charged me the $1,000 (or more!) and I never would've known the difference, but he didn't... and because of that, I will always be a loyal customer. Please recommend him to your friends if you know people who are looking for an honest mechanic in Louisville!

Anyway - back to the story. I took my car to Oxmoor Toyota this afternoon, and they informed me that they couldn't accept Mr. Fahey's diagnostic -- that they'd have to do their own (you know, for $90!)... but they did say that if it was the catalytic converter, the diagnostic test would be covered as well as the parts and labor. I prayed all afternoon for God to be gracious to us with the results. We could come up with the $1,000 if we had to, but it would hurt! I was so excited to get a call late this afternoon from Oxmoor Toyota telling me that it was indeed the catalytic converter and that everything would be covered under warranty. Oh, and did I mention that my car has over 78,000 miles on it??? God is so good.

So I pick up my little Toyota tomorrow... and hopefully that pesky engine light will stay off for a long time! :)













As a side note, I really learned a lot today about being dependent on people. I had to get rides everywhere today. (Thanks, Brandi and Kirstin -- you guys are amazing!) And that continues tomorrow... my car will be ready by noon, but I have to get a ride to work (thank you, Steph!), borrow Kevin and Lauren's car in order to take Wesley to his eye appointment (thank you guys!!), and find a way back to Oxmoor to pick up my car (any takers?). I really feel helpless, in a way. It certainly puts Wesley's life into perspective, that's for sure! I have never been so thankful for a vehicle and the ability to drive. They say you don't know what you have until it's taken away....

Also, my cell phone is broken, so I'm dependent there, too. Hmm... maybe God is trying to teach me a lesson. :)

O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His steadfast love endures forever.
::1 Chronicles 16:34

...

What a day. I'm exhausted! I'm off to bed, but be on the lookout for a post in the next few days about all of the amazing students and faculty in the SCMW who threw a really nice goodbye party for me today. (Brandi did most of the work... Brandi, you're amazing!) I felt so loved. I can't believe tomorrow is my last day! It's bittersweet. I'm excited for a new adventure, but I'm sad to leave such good friends. More on that later....