Finding a new car can be a journey in itself, especially when you're navigating through unfamiliar territory and language, both literally and figuratively. Our quest for a new vehicle began with a challenge that many might not anticipate—accessing our own money. Living in Costa Rica, we discovered that our bank had strict limits on how much cash we could withdraw daily ($500), which meant we had to get creative when it came to making a significant purchase like a car.
After some strategizing and with the help of Carrie's brother, we managed to secure enough cash for our car hunt. Armed with $3,000 and a determination to find something reliable and within our budget, we delved into the Costa Rican market. Little did we know, that cars here hold their value remarkably well due to the absence of local manufacturing, making imported vehicles quite pricey.
Our search led us to San Jose, a six-hour journey from our home base. We had our eyes set on a van, but as the Lord would have it, our plans took an unexpected turn when the seller stopped responding. We spent the entire Saturday exploring used car lots around the city, hoping to strike gold amidst a sea of overpriced options. It seemed every promising vehicle was well beyond our financial reach. Example: a 1998 Toyota 4 Runner was $15,000. We found nothing on a car used car lot for less than $11,000... nothing.
Just when it felt like a lost cause, Carrie turned to social media and stumbled upon a van listed in a small town we had coincidentally gotten lost in earlier that day. It was almost serendipitous—the seller was responsive, and negotiations were smooth. Upon arriving at his home, we were greeted by a large cross in the yard, hinting at his faith. Turns out, he was a cop and shared a bit of his faith and story with us—a genuine connection that reassured us we were making the right choice.
And so, we met our new ride—a 1987 Chevy Astro van affectionately named "The Hooptie." Complete with its quirks like a burned hood emblem and some nonfunctioning gauges, this van stole our hearts with its spacious interior decked out in new seats and carpet (a pleasant surprise). Sure, there's no air conditioning, but in a country where the local culture encourages a slower pace of life, luxury takes on a different meaning. Our neighbor is a family of 4 and they ALL pile on a motorcycle to go places.
Our kids quickly embraced the van's unique charm—riding with the sliding door open for ventilation, waving enthusiastically at passersby, and yelling "Hola" to anyone close enough to hear. they have had good humor. Where speeds rarely exceed 40 mph and the businesses and houses are built right on the road, this has become a great source of entertainment. This entertainment is much needed as for the most part our phones don't work unless we are in a big city. Carrie tends to ride with her feet out the window and her hand fan fluttering as the floorboards sometimes run hot. For us, this vehicle isn't just about getting from point A to B; it's a tool for ministry and community outreach—a place where we can share our faith, play our "Jesus jams" through a Bluetooth speaker we added, and comfortably accommodate friends and youth group members for various activities.
Another surprise to us was that our van runs on propane gas! An unexpected blessing as it only takes $16 to fill it up. We had no idea this was a thing. Don't worry, the worry wart that Carrie is did her research. We aren't going to blow up. Getting any kind of gas here is like a blast from the past. You pull up and the attendant fills the tank, washes the windshield, and checks tire pressure. It's actually really cool.
Reflecting on this whirlwind experience, we can't help but see the hand of the Lord guiding us through the maze of car listings and unexpected detours. In Costa Rica, where every purchase of a vehicle requires a lawyer and where imported cars come with a hefty price tag, finding "The Hooptie" was more than a transaction—it was a testament to faith and perseverance.
As we settle into this new chapter with our beloved Chevy Astro van, adorned with motocross stickers that nod to memories of past adventures for Roy, we are reminded of the unexpected blessings that come with embracing life as a missionary. Our journey to find a car became a journey of faith and discovery—a reminder that sometimes, the perfect vehicle isn't just about specs and price, but about the stories and connections it brings into our lives.
So here's to "The Hooptie" and the countless adventures yet to come—may its worn exterior and quirky charms continue to be a vessel for joy, service, and faith wherever the road may lead us next.
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