A Close Call

English: original description: "Built by Jess Dixon of Andalusia, Alabama. Can fly forward, backward or straight up or hover in the air. Runs on road or flys across country. 40 H.P. motor, air cooled, speeds to 100 m.p.h." (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Last night Daniel and I had a close call as we were driving home from my Bible study meeting. It was dark, which in Kinshasa means it was VERY dark because most of the roads have no street lights and at any given time half the lights that do exist are not on due to power outages. We were on a two lane road approaching a curve and someone came rapidly around the bend, in our lane, straight at us in the wrong direction. There was no shoulder to pull onto and no sidewalk, so there was no way we could get out of their way. We were barely able to stop in time to keep them from plowing into us head-on and they nearly hit someone else as they cut off another driver to avoid us.  As he sped by the driver honked at us for having the audacity to be in our lane when he wanted it for himself.

Driving here is an adventure. Aside from the lack of proper lighting, there is also a lack of street signs, stop signs, order, courtesy, and consequences. Roads are poorly maintained and deep potholes and ruts are common. People just do whatever they want to without regard to rules or other drivers. Defensive driving is bumped to a whole new level here. No matter what time of day or night it is, there are always tons of pedestrians and they are usually walking in the actual street due to a lack of sidewalks. It is not for the faint of heart, which is why I only drive in places I am familiar with. I fantasize about having a flying car and soaring above all the chaos.

It can drive (pun intended) you crazy if you let it, but it is more fun to laugh about it. We sometimes quote movie lines. Here are some I have heard our family and/or friends use specifically with regard to driving in Kinshasa.

“I’m surrounded by idiots.” Scar, in Lion King
“I’ll get you my pretty, and your little dog, too!” Wicked witch, in Wizard of Oz
“Toto, I’ve got a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore.” Dorothy, Wizard of Oz
 “Never tell me the odds.” Han Solo, Empire Strikes Back
“Wax paint on, wax paint off.” Mr. Miyagi, Karate Kid
“Inconceivable!” Vizzini, Princess Bride
 “Roads? Where we're going we don't need roads.” Doc, Back to the Future
“All me life flashed before me eyes.” Babs, Chicken Run
“I’ve gone way beyond afraid. Right now I’m somewhere between bedwetting and a near death experience.” Rizzo, Muppets Treasure Island

Next time you go driving, please say a prayer for all the missionaries who deal with driving in third world nations.