Above and Beyond
It had been a very special weekend. A road trip to drop the caravan off in Hastings, where we originally bought it, for some minor repairs and then continue on to Napier to stay with my husband’s daughter and her partner, in their newly purchased home. We were excited to be seeing them again and to view their new home in person.
It is such a delight to see what kind of house draws your children to buy, and then again how they choose to furnish it and express their own personalities within. Theirs is a wonderful eclectic mix of artfully put together, mid-century furniture and modern art, creating a warm, welcoming space.
After a very special weekend, with hugs all round and a warm feeling in the heart, we headed south to collect the caravan and continue the journey homeward.
Caravan now in tow, as we headed up Te Aute hill, we noticed the temperature gauge had risen rapidly. Can we make it to the top and then let the car cool down, we wondered? A weird metallic knocking noise and then steam coming out from under the bonnet! No, we were not going to get to the top!
Pulling over as far to the left as the edge of the road would allow, we found ourselves urgently departing the vehicle, including our dog and then, what next? Call AA roadside assist. That is all very well if there is good reception. Half a bar was not going to cut it.
A few metres away was the entrance to a house on the hill. I wondered if I could walk up their driveway and see if there was better reception with which to call. The gate was wrapped around with about three sets of chains and padlocks with the a sign “No trespassers” We won’t be doing that then!
A silver van had pulled in by the house’s entrance. The passenger window came down and a friendly face asked if we are okay. I briefly told him what had happened. And so began the amazing act of kindness. This wonderful man, Matthew, explained that he too was a member of the New Zealand Caravan and Motorhome Association and that he had broken down on the side of the road with a caravan once, and as he said “It is not fun!”
He explained he lives only ten minutes away in Otane where they have a Popover site for members on road trips, to stay over. He was concerned about where we had pulled over, as it was where cars power up the hill at great speed, with very little space to be parked there. He knew of the lack of reception in this spot and he wanted to help us go to somewhere safe.
Between the three of us emptying our water bottles, we were able to get enough water into the radiator to cool the engine down. After chatting about the best way forward, he offered to tow the caravan with his van, to a layby at the top of the hill, where it is much safer and, from there, we could hopefully have reception to call AA.
The thought of the caravan being detached from our vehicle on a decent slope was a scary proposition. However, his calm, kind, knowledgeable suggestion filled us with hope. With the caravan handbrake on and chocks under the wheels, we were able to detach the caravan. I was able to drive the car up the hill, monitoring the temperature gauge and following instructions that if it rose above half way, to immediately pull over again.
Thankfully the temperature gauge remained under halfway, allowing me to get to the safe layby over the brough of the hill and await the two men in Matthew’s van, to arrive with the caravan. After a quick check in as to how the car had gone, we took up the offer to continue the ten minute drive to Otane, to Matthew’s home. We would allow the car to fully cool down, top up the radiator again and see how we go.
This kind, caring guy could not have been more reassuring, warm and helpful. Nothing was too much trouble. He had finished work for the day, he said. A truck driver who starts at 2.00am each morning and usually finished by 1.00pm however, that day, he finished early.
After a cup of tea and the topping up of the radiator, cap back on tight, we made the decision to leave the caravan there and head home without it. We would make sure the car was alright and when sorted, return in a few days to collect the caravan. He was only too happy to park the caravan up beside his garage, safely out of the way, in their spacious rural retreat.
Honestly, I kept calling Matthew our guardian angel. What he did was truly above and beyond. He said that the time he broke down with his caravan in tow, he was on the side of the road for six hours waiting for AA to get to him. He just wanted to help.
As we drove away, so thankful for this kind man and all he did for us, we reflected that it was like a divine appointment. He was there just at the right time, to help us.
We messaged him when we got home. His reply was so touching. He too, had reflected on the timing. He said that he had finished work early, had spent 30 minutes with his father in law and then came by just at the time we found ourselves in the unsafe predicament we were in. He considered it a divine appointment too.
We also believe that as we have to go back to collect the caravan next week, we were meant to meet Matthew that day and we wonder where this connection will lead to?
He will do exceedingly, abundantly above all you could ask think or imagine. Ephesian 3:20
