Memories of Alabama

I was with friends at the University of Alabama one weekend spending sometimes enjoy the UA campus and the student,s life.On Sunday afternoon I was supposed to leave and go home to Gadsden , adrive of about 120 miles going through Birmingham and then heading north east to Gadsden.But for some reason I stayed late and before I know it was midnight,my friends insisted I stay and leave in the morning but objected since I have early morning classes at Gadsden State Communit Colloge.I got a cup of coffe ,filled up the car with Gas nd headed north on highway 59.By the time I hit Birmingham it was about 1:30 in the morning and drive was wonderful and everything seemed to be smooth and I enjoyed the quiteness and some late night music.Times went by fast and I was out of birmingham about 20 to 25 miles north when I started having truoble with my car.It was january and it was cold but the car was runing hot.I got worried and I did not want to get stranded in the middle of no were with no food or covers I prayed and prayed and begged my car to cool off and drive bettter but my prayers were not answered and things got worse.I see no exit or station close by and then the smoke started coming out from undere the hood so I had to stop and then The engine died.

I sat in the car for what seemed to be hours but was only few minutes and I tried to start the engine to warm up.The engine started but without water or antifreeze it was just getting hot fast.I kept doing this for few more times and then the car would not start I tried and again and again untill I drained the battery.I was extremely mad and cursing when I noticed a Van on the oppsite side of the freeway slowing down and ckecking my car out and I truly got even more scared and then they just sped off and could not see them any more.I was hoping for highway patrolman to come and help or just wait for the day light to come.
I can see another car lights from behind and I figured just another late night traveller.should I wave them would they stop or is it just too dangerious for me to try that so I just sat quite in my driver seat but to my surprise and horror i see the same Van coming closer and closer behind me untill it stopped and in the shadow I see two giant figures coming down.
I was horrified but I decide to play normal and just tell them help on the way and thank them for stopping to help but I did not.
One of them came to my window and said roll down your window we will not hurt you we just want to help you and I just rolled down the window about and inch or two and claimed I was too cold to get out and the man said no need to step out but what seemed to be the problem.
I explained the car started smoking and got hot and died.he said it must be your radiator , pop up the hood.So I did.
He had a flash light they both looked at the car and came back and told me it was your radiator hose it is busted and your need a new one.
I said Ok thank you i just wait untill the morning and walk to a phone and call a wrecker.
The man well you are going to freeze here with no heat it is going to get even colder.
Then he said we will be right back.
What happened next was an amazing story to tell.

And the Van Came back crossed the median and parked behind me and the same old two boys came out with tools and stuff.I was still suspecious and scared to come out and they did not bother by that .
They came to me and gave me a warm cup of coffee which I took but did not drink I just liked the warmth of the cup on my hands, then the older genteman said you can go set in the van if you are cold while we fix you car.
I could not believe my ears .they guys drove to a friend,s house woke him up in the middle of the night opened his guarage brought the exact model hose for my car ,bought antifreeze .fixed my car ,charged my batttery and I started my car and for what.I was so ashamed of myself but i was only 19 years old a forign young man in the middle of the south during hostile times and the Iranian hostage crisis.
At that stage the sun was rising in the east and the light show some smiling red faced gentle giants i will never forget.Istepped out of the car
I reached for my wallet and I said Sir I am extremely thankful how much Do I owe you.
The Giant red face gentleman looked at me and smiled and then said
Do you know Jesus
I said I do.
He said then never be scared again.Jesus will always take care of you.
and I said Sir I come from Jordan.I was born 2 miles away from the baptisim site.
He smiled again and said you owe me one,if you want to pay me then just help others and just walked away.
I have never seen those men again.
End