Alone behind the wheel

Today I took my first drive alone since we moved here in June. Sounds like a long time doesn't it. Well, I have been driving but each time Ron has been the passenger for moral support and for the reminder to drive on the left side of the road.

You can see here that our truck looks different, doesn't it. With the steering wheel on the right it is like everything is reversed. Do you remember having some exercise where you were asked to write with your non dominant hand and how much you had to think about what you were doing?!


Well, do all that on top of controlling a big vehicle on pot hole laden roads, driving on the opposite side you are used to, trying to avoid herds of cattle and goats and sheep, and then don't forget to watch out for the people walking along side, or the mini vans called dala dala's pulling on and off and stopping right in front of you without warning!!!




Welcome to my new world of driving. When we were in Ethiopia I learned to be defensively assertive on the road, but now I must also concentrate on basic driving skills like shifting with my left hand, and looking at the rear view mirror out the right side and using the blinker instead of the wind shield wipers when turning.



As I drove away Yohana, a guard asked Ron, anaendesha mama/can mama (that is what they call me) drive?



Yes I can now!! But just like in Ethi, each trip is a faith journey.