Fabulous Drivers

I find myself reading several blogs from people who live and work in Haiti. We lived a big chunk of our lives in that part of the world and still have many wonderful friends and co-workers who minister among these resilient people. One of the blogs I enjoy is from a couple who have a large family and often share fun family challenges. The one I just read was about their daughter getting her first lesson driving a stick. That brought back some great memories!

Both our boys learned to drive in Haiti. Their dad taught them, for obvious reasons. Not only is he a great driver but he is very calm, a skill that is quite important when teaching teenagers to drive... in a place like Haiti! Our first born learned quickly and after one really scary accident, became more than just a good driver - he's a great one! Our second son learned even faster (since his brother and he would sneak out with the jeep) and didn't have his horribly scary accident until he was in the states.

One thing we decided right away was that both boys would have to take driver's training in the states for several reasons. Even though they were great drivers, Haiti is so unique that there were things that could not be learned. The law: well, I'm sure there are driving laws in Haiti but I'm not sure what they are, nor apparently, is any one else. Signage: it is important to be able to follow street signs and directional signs - something not required in Haiti since there aren't many to follow. The Kamikaze Technique: while it is a gift and talent in Haiti (weaving, dodging, using whatever lane is available), it can result in a big ticket in the states. Speed limits: there is little need of speed limits in Haiti; the roads are so bad that no one can drive too fast. But in the states, our boys loved to put their foot down!

As a result, the summer of their 16th birthdays, each son made the trip home to the states for summer school driver's training. The first born did a great job and got his license the first try. The second born showed up for class, was doing just fine and then went on his first drive. The instructor was very complimentary of his skill and told him that he had only had one other student, four years prior, who was as proficient the first time out. Then he said, "Come to think of it, he had red hair like you but he was from some other country..." to which younger son asked, "Haiti?" The instructor looked at him, startled, and replied in the affirmative, asking how he knew that. And the younger son replied, "That was my brother." A long discussion followed about life in Haiti and driving and the instructor stated that he thought all teens should learn to drive in Haiti. By the way, second son also got his license on the first try.

I have to agree that all teens should go to Haiti, or some other third-world nation, but not to learn to drive! One of the best ways for kids to learn to appreciate their blessings, to care about others and try to make a difference in the world, is to show up in a place like Haiti and do something to make it better. I still remember Shauna who came at age 15. After her two-week stay, she announced that she was never going to complain about anything again in her life. And I do believe she was changed by her experiences with the Haitian people. It's hard to avoid it. I bet there are many parents of somewhat spoiled kids who would love to have a child who learned to appreciate what it meant to be well fed, well clothed, well educated, and also know that someday - with a little hard work - a decent job would be possible. And I know for a fact that there are hundreds of thousands of Haitian parents who work harder than anyone can imagine and will never be able to provide that for their children. It isn't fair but it is a fact.