We've really been van searching for months but we hesitated to make a big purchase knowing we might need the funds for the adoption. We had hoped to find a van while we were back after court but didn't find the right one. We had found a used Toyota Sienna 8-passenger (for the 6 of us plus two grandparents, friends, etc.) that we both liked, but it just didn't sit well with me for some reason.
With all of the searching came a lot of discussion. What kind of car did we really need and/or want? What would we be using it for? Should we settle for something that will meet our needs now or plan for the future (not knowing what that might hold)? Along the way we came to a decision.
Eight is not enough.
And while I never in my entire life would have anticipated it, I am now the co-owner of a Ford Econoline 350 12-passenger van. We bought it today. It was beyond a great deal. Only one year old and a program car (meaning it was used by a dealership as a shuttle car or rental), still under factory warranty, and thousands of dollars cheaper than we were going to be able to get the Sienna for. It meets all of our qualifications minus the blue dashboard. It's sitting in front of our house and I just keep looking at Mark and saying "I can't believe we bought a 12-passenger van." Don't get me wrong--I have no regrets. I don't know how God plans to use this vehicle, but I am so excited about the possibilities.
Without further ado, here it is:
If you and a few (or more!) of your friends need a ride, let us know. ;)
16 comments:
Woo Hoo!! I LOVE MINE!! We took out the back row for the wheelchair and stroller and groceries to all fit so it seats 8. Is yours an 08? We got ours used from being a 'shuttle' car, spotless, low miles, and still warranty in Sept 08.
Congrats! :)
Wow! It will come in handy to give each kid their own space and cut down on the "He's touching me!" cries...very nice indeed!
Plenty of room. Awesome! I shudder at the thought of actually driving it, (parking makes me nervous in my mini-van) but you'll get used to it! :)
Oops...forgot to add...
I bet this means Mark was serious about the 'Cheaper by the Dozen' reference. ;>)
Congratulations on your newest additions..and I don't just mean the van! God is great! It is amazing to see how much the boys have grown. The girls look absolutely beautiful. God bless!
oh. my. goodness. I love LOVE love it! My mind is racing with all the possibility's! My family of 4 could totally come and visit you and you ALL could drive us around St. Louis.
I just laugh when I hear young girls dreaming about marriage. You know the fantasy - the one where they dream about the handsome prince whisking them off into the sunset on his trusty white horse where they live happily ever after.
Reality check: Sometimes prince charming is balding or chubby - but does do dishes and laundry which makes up for all thinning hair and pot bellies, sometimes being whisked off into the sunset means traveling half way around the world to fulfill your dreams, and sometimes that trusty white horse is an Econoline neighborhood hauler! Isn't it awesome that part of growing up means we're actually excited about these things rather abhored by them as we would have been as teenagers?
Congrats on all your new additions!
Wow! I can't believe you have a vehicle that could hold my entire brood! LOL
Congrats now how many more kids???
I am green with envy!
The only thing keeping us from bringing home 2 seven year old boys from Bulgaria instead of just one is the fact that my car(Suburban) will only hold one more child. If we had something bigger, we could bring home another child. My heart longs for the other little boy, but I know that practically speaking, I have to be able to transport all my kids at one time!
You are ready for your full quiver, or to be a chaperone at a youth retreat!
Wow! Amazing!
I bet it doesn't get great gas millage like the Jetta TDI does, though. How is parallel parking in the city with that boat?
Plus, I bet it holds plenty of supplies that Mark would pick up at Lowe's.
Congrats on the new additions. If you find your self headed this direction, give me a call. Both of our families will fit in the van with room for one more.
The thought of a vehicle with room for friends makes me smile. Especially since my little Escape is now full when we go anywhere.
Boy you took the jump. Beautiful van. Enjoy the new family.
Tammy
Congrats on the girls, the van, and being home at last!!
I am so jealous!
I bet you never thought you'd hear anyone say THAT about a 12 passenger van, now, did you.
I have learned to never say never!
I will never equals I will in my life!
So glad to catch up on your blog and read all about your sweet family!
Jena
Post a Comment