Dan, Chris, and I (7 months pregnant with Justin) along with our puppy, Sparky, made the 4 1/2 hour trip to spend Easter with my family in 1997. It was a beautiful Easter that year and I remember it was so warm that we didn’t need jackets. My father was concerned as we prepared to leave that Monday to drive back to Jersey Shore PA because the weatherman was predicting a snowstorm. It was hard to believe as we packed the car in the beautiful sunshine.
As we drove on the Northeast Extension and got closer to the Poconos, the snow started to fall. It came down hard and heavy. The windshield wipers on our car needed to be replaced and they were useless in clearing the window after an hour. I think for a while we thought of it as an adventure and thought we could drive out of the storm, but it soon became apparent that driving in the storm was not safe. When we reached our exit, we went to the nearest hotel that was overbooked with people already staking spots in the lobby.
We went to the McDonalds across the road to eat and figure out what we should do. After a half hour, we went back to the car because we were concerned about leaving Sparky in the cold. Having no other options, we decided to try to drive farther and try another exit and other hotels. 80 was a mess. There was no one else on the road and I admit that I began to panic. I was not dressed for a winter storm and we were not equipped. It was scary to think that we would have to spend the night in our car.
We got off at the next exit. We made it to a motel that was full, but they had the name of a church that was taking travelers in. Thank you, God! We got directions to the church and arrived with relief. We joined about 40 other people in their fellowship hall. Luckily, Sparky traveled in his crate and we were allowed to bring him in with us. There were blankets and pillows for everyone. That night is a blur to me. I spent most of it in the hall after laying there listening to four or five people that sounded like they were in a snoring competition. I joke about that now, but at the time, I was overwhelmed with gratefulness.
We read in the paper the next day how hundreds of travelers were stranded on 80 overnight. We drove home safely the next day. Every Easter we talk about our naivete in planning our trip and how we would do things differently now, but we also talk about how blessed we were that there are strangers out there willing to help others in need.
:: Written by Christy Molnar, Elder for Children’s Ministries
Thanks for the story Christy…God does provide!