I had a flat tire on one of the busiest streets I’ve biked on my entire trip, actually it is a highway. It was absolutely pouring rain and suddenly my back tire went flat. I had run over a screw. Luckily, there was a pullout nearby. For reference here are pictures of an aerial view of the pull out and the actual screw.
You may be wondering why I was on such a busy highway. I was wondering that myself. Looking at google maps a little closer, it was the only river crossing for miles.I spent a minute feeling sorry for myself and another two minutes, figuring out what to do. As unpleasant as i felt, (wet and a little cold.) It was clear, I just had to just start changing the tube.
I struggled a little and was about 2/3 of the way done with the job, when a black pickup truck drove into the emergency pull out. He stopped his truck, got out and looked at his tires. He then looked over and saw me and asked, “Do you need some help?”I said yes, I was wondering if he could give me and my bike a ride to a gas station or something.In turns out, Joe had not stopped to see if I needed help. He stopped because his wheels were making some major noise for the first time and he wanted to check them. His wheels were fine and once he got going again, they never made noise again.Joe insisted on taking me the rest of the way for my day which was good because it continued to rain really hard. I quickly agreed that was a good idea.
In our thirty minute ride, we were introducing ourselves to each other. He told me he was separated from his wife. I asked him if he still had contact with his kids. They were with his wife for now.I assumed separated meant the not getting along type but in fact, she had been deported by ICE to Honduras even though she was legally here and married to a US citizen. Joe told me everything happens for a reason, his wife and kids are safe, well fed, have a secure roof over their head, and he gets to talk to them via video phone every day. He is staying positive and is trusting that things will work out. He has lawyers working on his family’s situation. I can’t believe that our country is doing this to people.Joe kept telling me that everything happens for a reason.
He was meant to pick me up on the road, and I was meant to get a ride with him and have him help me out. We were destined to meet.
Everything happens for a reason. I get strong reminders over and over that God is looking out for me on my trip.
5 responses to “Angels Watching Over Me”
Incredible story! You have met so many amazing people on this journey
Sorry you got that flat on such a busy highway but at least there was a pull off close by and you were rescued. I’m also a firm believer that everything works out for a reason and so glad your driver and yourself believe the same way. It certainly lowers your stress level knowing that fact. Trust your remaining trip is safe and uneventful. Thanks for all your updates and I really appreciate that. At some point in the future I’d love to see the overall route you took if it’s not too much trouble.
What an awesome God we have. You just know has had his hand you two meeting (and needing) each other. I will say a prayer for Joe and his wife and children too. It is troubling what is happening to immigrants right now-so many of them following the law and yet being deported. Thanks for sharing your journey and the good you are doing.
Thankful for Joe’s help
Yes – God was definitely with you and watching over you!!
Go God!