TURNING POINTS

Chapter 1

A Life-Changing Ride

Saturday, November 23, 2002, dawned cool, crisp, and clear over Atlanta, Georgia, the ninth largest metropolitan area in the country and the city where I envisioned our family restored and protected by God.

The morning sunshine boosted my confidence, as I prepared to drive to Clark Atlanta University to take the teaching certification exam that would begin at nine o’clock sharp. With comfort a serious priority during those two hours of testing, I dressed in a navy blue embroidered sweatshirt, stretch-to-fit Levi jeans, and stylish black leather Dr. Scholl’s canvas shoes. I was as ready as I’d ever be, so I grabbed my purse and headed out the door, asking God to aid me in passing the test.

The weather-beaten red 1993 Chevy S-10 pickup with Florida license plates and questionable reliability waited for me at the curb. I was uncomfortable with the fact that I wasn’t familiar with the truck I’d borrowed from my brother and therefore didn’t really know what to expect from it. I squared my shoulders, determined not to allow my shaky transportation to dampen my spirits. This was the day the Lord had made, and I was going to rejoice and be glad in it!

I climbed inside and held my breath until the engine roared to life. “Thank You, Lord,” I whispered, feeling some of the tension drain from my neck and shoulders. Of course, I wasn’t completely out of the woods yet. Not having any time to spare, I decided not to stop for gas; I would just have to take my chances. Surely I had a sufficient amount to travel to the university; what disturbed me was when I pressed my foot against the accelerator and the pedal felt stiff.

Oh, Lord, I prayed silently, please let me arrive for the test safely!

God must have heard me because when I returned home later that day—safe and sound—I told my husband, Ron, and our two kids, Chercolby and Alexis, that I was sure I’d passed. “I’m glad that’s behind me,” I told them, breathing a huge sigh of relief before walking outside to check the mailbox.

As I flipped through the mail, I noticed an envelope from SunTrust Bank, the company that was financing our home, and it appeared there was a check inside. Excitedly I ripped open the envelope and found a refund check from our escrow account, declaring, “Pay to the order of Kathy M. Prince, the sum of $1,603.12.” I sensed the spirit of God’s favor upon me. First I had the feeling I had passed my certification test, and now God had dropped a financial blessing right into our laps, all in one day. What a reason to praise Him!

“Party over here, party over here,” I sang loudly, as I danced my way back into the house. “We’re going to Disney World, kids!”

Their eyes illumined as the news infused their hearts. The next thing I knew they were chattering about lodging at Disney World’s Grand Floridian Hotel with the exotic style swimming pool. In fact, they had already viewed a video highlighting the special attractions and places they had dreamed of visiting if we ever had the opportunity.