Ever since David started his real-estate journey, approximately fourteen months ago, we have been a one-car family. Actually, upon reflection, we have not owned two vehicles since 2012. (His work van did not count as “ours”, although it was a blessing to have to commute with). Seeing that number of months is crazy to wrap my head around. I don’t know how we did it with two littles and two very different schedules. David and I have prayed for the provision of a second vehicle since October 2016. I suppose we are picky, because we couldn’t drive a clunker (not in the real estate business). It became a frequent saying of David’s because he had so much favor this year in real estate, he would tell his coworkers, “Hey man, if I can sell houses in a mini-van, what’s your excuse?” And the Honda Odyssey was (and is) serving us well. Our requirements for a second car were: it had to be big enough to fit 3 car seats (in case the Honda is ever out of commission in the shop) and it had to be new enough and reliable for David’s work commute and presentable to go to appointments. Also, David has a thing for Toyota 4Runners. We are also still making car payments on the Honda, so for our family, it didn’t make sense to take out a second car loan. Going into more debt just didn’t seem like the best option for us. No, we were not picky in the least…

Opportunities would come up to look for a car, or maybe put a down payment on something, but we kept hearing “wait…”

I am so grateful over the past fourteen months to have had rides from family and friends who were willing to take us to doctor’s appointments, the grocery store and run errands for us throughout that “waiting period.” I am thankful that we live a mile away from a CVS and Harris Teeter and two gas stations and a bank (if I needed to walk, I could). It made me exercise and get the kids outside. I am so thankful for our double stroller that enabled us to make those walks. I am thankful that there is a playground in our neighborhood and plenty of walking space to get us out of the house. I’m thankful for the mommies and littles of “The Mommy Group” who came to my house to entertain us weekly and help me keep my sanity. Most of all, I’m so thankful that God has given David an incredible work-ethic and an amazing job that has enabled us to put a down payment on a friend’s 2003, Toyota 4Runner and pay it off fully by Spring.

Many thanks to our generous friends who are letting us buy their Toyota, it is going to be such a blessing to us! Y’all have championed us while we lamented and dreamed of a second vehicle. You are awesome friends, who saw our need as a family. Now they are being blessed with a third car (and wanted to bless someone else with their Toyota) and they said they thought of us. We are so thankful for their generosity and friendship!

I’m telling you guys, the year is not over yet and God is still working! We didn’t have the money anymore for a down payment, when they proposed the idea of selling their car to us. I had no clue how we were going to save up again to find something at a dealership. I just figured we would have to “make due” and somehow I was hoping God would provide before the baby arrived. (Y’all, he’s coming in 2.5 months….that is crazy!)

To our wonderful Christmas surprise, family gave us money for Christmas and these friends blessed us with a great deal of a car! THANK YOU LORD! We have wanted this for so long!! And thank you, friends, who have stood by us in prayer for this last year as we were waiting and praying to find the “right car.”

We are thankful for so many things from 2017. Lots of things happened this year, but it was truly a year of “repayment for things that had been lost.” It was repayment and growth from 2011 when we gave up so much to “say Yes!” to volunteer missions. God has given us everything back and more that we “gave up.” And the best part? HE HAS EVEN MORE TO GIVE OUT. Not just to us, but to everyone who obeys what He says to do, in every season. In this instance, David gave up his green 4Runner back in 2010. Faith came “full circle” this Christmas and he now has another (even newer) one! We are still in shock…

So, are you ready for the blessings God will give you in 2018? We are. We hope that this year is YOUR BEST YEAR, YET!

With so much love, joy and hope, Team Carter