I supposed I could still thank God for it, like what my mum always tells me, in all circumstances, give thanks and praise to the Lord.
Last Friday was not an ideal day for me. We drove to work in the morning, as is every morning. The battery warning light has come out several times, but we couldn't understand why. We filled in water before and serviced our car regularly. It can't be the battery we thought, although I knew something needs attention immediately. I dropped Andrew off and drove to work, which is almost about 45 minutes away depending on traffic. I prayed so hard to God, hoping that the car won't break down. Every sets of traffic lights made me worry more and more. Everytime I stopped the car, it makes a strong vibration. I tried to avoid the long traffic by using a 'safer' route. Just imagine, it was almost 9am, the busiest time of the day. Soon, it was almost 200meters to the workshop. My workplace was closeby too. Just the last sets of traffic lights which I had to endure, and I really prayed that the car will not break down. I stopped for the last time as the lights turned red, and within seconds, the engine went off. It was completely silent!! I almost cried my heart out! I knew I will cause a long queue and people will start cursing me. We didn't even have any insurance that can cover road side assistance. If we were to call for towing service, it will be costly. Well, you can imagine the whole drama. Of course, ultimately money solved the problem. Andrew helped to call for NRMA, waited for 45 minutes, then had a guy to change the battery although he then told me, it wasn't just the battery, it was the alternator. I went, "What's that!!??"
So, explanation was made to me and I sort of got it. I was also told it will last me no more than a couple of days to get the car moving whilst solely relying on battery and I MUST fix the altonator as it's needed to charge the battery. Ok, I thought to myself, I will bring it to the workshop first thing in the morning and no more driving for the rest of the night after getting home from work.
Left work at 5.30pm. Sharks, I should have left earlier to avoid traffic. But work was such that I was only able to leave by then. Traffic was pretty bad. As usual, I had to pick Andrew up from work. Arrived at 6.45pm, parked my car at the kerbside. Within 3 minutes, Andrew got in to the car and he asked, why did you off the engine? Literally, my eyes just went wide open. Not again, I thought to myself. I wasn't even aware that the engine died again. Tried restarting my car several times, but it just wouldn't start. I was absolutely frustrated and stressed out beyond words. Another whole big drama to follow. Andrew reckoned it was the battery again. We tried calling several friends to help us jump start the car. Unfortunately, no one even has a jump cable!
We finally had to resort to calling our landlord for help. He is like one the world's best person!! He agreed to come to the city just to help us. We tried to jump start the car, but it just wouldn't start. We then had to call NRMA again to see what was wrong. 20 minutes later, the NRMA guy came. Tried to jump start, nope, didn't work. Checked the battery and the alternator, and said it was the alternator. He advised us not to drive the car at all even if he can help us start the car. So finally, we had to call for towing service. Thank God, this man was kind enough to give us a contact so we can get a cheaper rate. Soon after, it started drizzling. We waited for almost 1 hour before the towing truck arrived. It was pouring by then, the last thing we needed.
Just imagine the whole ordeal. Our night was spoiled, and my whole DAY was practically ruined!
However, we are most grateful to our landlord who was with us the whole time, eventhough he could have just gone home when it started to rain. He fetched us home after we took the car to the workshop. Really thank God for him. Oh, I must also mention, at the first break down of the car, 2 good samaritans (from some courier company) offered to pushed my car up to the kerb so that I don't jam up traffic. That was exactly what I hoped someone would help me do.
