While I was driving home from the gym the other morning, I tried to be nice and let one of the taxi-vans here pull out in front of me... the driver cut the wheel too hard and ended up hitting the front corner of my car. He then proceeded to wave 'thanks' to me and drove off. A bit of a traumatic morning, but lesson learned- the locals here drive like crazy people!
In Africa, you have to learn to do many things backwards. In Chicago, you have to drive defensively. In Africa, you have to get aggressive on the road. Back home, the taxis may be crazy, but they are skilled drivers- when in doubt, hit your breaks and the taxi driver will find a way out of whatever situation you have found yourself in. Here, you have to hit the gas, assuming that the taxi driver has no idea what he is doing and you just need to get out of there ASAP.
Unfortunately, I had to learn this little lesson the hard way. Fortunately, the car had barely any damage- just a scrape on the front bumper, and the headlight is now just a bit crooked. I am proud to say I managed the big roundabout in town during rush hour last night, cutting off taxis and maneuvering around pedestrians like a pro ;o) On to more (hopefully less impactful) adventures this weekend!
In other news, the girls at the shelter are doing well, and we are in the process of looking for a transition home... Please pray that we find a home for our wonderful residents who have completed the crisis care program and are ready to move on into transition care!
"But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you."
~Psalm 5:11
I love what you wrote about driving! That was SOO Cason and I's experience driving in Kenya! You def have to be aggressive! :)
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