Last Friday afternoon, we ran into an interesting bus situation. Someone accidentally (smile) ran two self-tapping bolts into the bottom of the bus fuel tank. It had been done a few days earlier but the growing puddle of diesel fuel under bus was an indication there was a problem. The only solution would be to drain the almost FULL tank of diesel (about 200 gallons) into many large trash cans, so it could be reused, pull the fuel tank out, and have the holes welded. John called many welders who said they didn’t want to have anything to do with welding a fuel tank. Finally, the Lord gave him someone who would do it. And yes, the man still is alive and well. We understand there is a trick to doing it and not having it explode.
You could hardly see John!
What a mess: diesel, oil, kitty litter!
John and Jesse worked hard to drain the fuel Friday night, and Saturday morning, the project to be tackled was getting the tank out. It all took on a different twist, when John was loosening a bolt, and the wrench slipped. Two of his knuckles were cut open. I had come to take pictures when he calmly appeared from under the bus, announcing he needed to wash his hands off, he had split open his knuckles. I hurried into the utility sink and turned the water on. When I saw a gush of blood, I knew this was no small cut! His hands were also black with grease and dirt. Mom took him into the doctor, and instead of stitches, they glued his skin closed. The nurse spent a long time trying to clean the wound, and when she came in with a toothbrush, that wasn’t a good sign. (Much to John’s relief, she didn’t use the brush on his wounds!)
John--after the accident happened.
We are grateful for God’s protection over John–it could have been much worse. As soon as he got home, he wanted to start on the bus again. He can even play the banjo two-fingered!
While John was gone, Dad, Joseph, and Jesse worked on pulling the bus tank out. They succeeded!
As of today, the two holes in the tank have been welded and the tank is back in the bus and all the fuel pumped back in. There is just one stubborn fuel line left to connect and hopefully that will be taken care of tomorrow.
After the tank was out, they pushed it to the driveway.
There are two small holes in the fuel tank, so a man welded those.
For those who are observant: notice John's finger (you'll have to click into the picture to see it up close).
Gallons of diesel going back in!
“For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.” (Psalms 91:11)
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