Help Elizabeth & car get to seminary

Hi, my name is Elizabeth and I've recently been accepted to Seminary in Texas for my Master of Divinity, the next step on my path toward priesthood. This is an exciting journey but as we know life sometimes likes throwing curveballs our way. This is exactly what happened when I recently learned of repairs needed on my car.

During my time in Seminary, I will be focusing on classes and studying, visiting neighboring churches and communities, and not working as the first year is a heavy courseload. However, my trusty car of ten years, a Chevy Sonic, has been randomly stalling on the roads and has not been a reliable form of transportation in recent weeks.

I have already had several repairs done from a shop but now my car is undrivable. At my wits end, I went to a different shop and received a harrowing diagnosis: the torque converter is damaged to the point that it has destroyed my transmission, resulting in an estimated $5,400 repair, not including any parts they need to replace when they get in there. I was hoping it would last but after the last round of diagnostics and repairs, my car now no longer runs without constantly dying which puts me and those on the road around me in danger.

Because my current car is only worth $6k (in “like new” condition) my plan to repair it has now altered to buying a reliable car. Under normal circumstances, I would just put in extra hours and save up the money so I could handle this on my own. However, college starts mid-August which means I need a working car by, at the latest, the end of July.

This is where the $4,000 request comes into play as I believe this will be enough to get me a reliable car. The savings nest I had prepared has been depleted by a roof repair and the $2,800 repair bill from a shop that fixed a list of "potential causes" prior to finding out the issue was damage to the transmission. The funds raised here will also help recoup the depleted savings I had prepared for my move down to Texas. I am still working as a contract Certified ASL Interpreter, so hours are not always guaranteed. This has made it difficult to save money while keeping up on bills (rent, phone, insurance, taxes, etc.). My sister and her husband had committed to helping, but due to unforeseen circumstances, they no longer can.

Due to all the curveballs I’ve mentioned, I humbly turn to my family and friends, and the online community. Your prayers are always welcome, and I ask for anything you can offer that can help me safely get to Seminary.

Peace to you all,

Elizabeth