A Beep is not just a Beep

Dear Friends,

Did you ever think that there is a language associated with car horns? Honestly, I have always considered horns as rude and only meant to communicate anger or frustration at someone else’s bad driving. In Monrovia, there is an entire language for car horns, and it is the only way to negotiate the crowded streets.  First, you need to understand that there are no traffic lights and only the occasional stop sign. There is only a line down the middle of the street to delineate two-way traffic lanes, and motorcycles can go anywhere they can fit. Imagine a two-lane road with cars parked on either side, two cars passing, and motorcycles on either side of the cars… motorcycles which have no idea those cars are bigger and more harmful and very little concern for safe driving techniques!

Cars gain entrance to an intersection by a short warning bleep while approaching the crosswalk area. If there is a motorcycle that tries to gain entrance to the intersection from any direction first, the car driver responds with a sharp, angry blast from the horn. If another car yields for your car, it is required that you give a short “beep, beep” in quick succession as a thank you. I now know about as much horn language as I know French, and I am not sure which one I am gladder to have in my arsenal of skills.

Today was our final day of training, and again, we had a full house. Today was a day of questions and answers, with the teacher participants having an opportunity to comment, question, or seek further clarification. Student assessment and curriculum development were two topics we touched on, and we spent time reviewing our studies from yesterday.

There was levity as well when we played a balloon game before lunch. We requested that the teachers sing a blessing, which turned into a group sing complete with harmony and dancing. The day ended on a high note as each group received certificates for their participation.

 

Finally, we have been able to distribute 700 pairs of glasses. There are absolutely none left. The boxes we brought are empty. Remember what it is like when you can’t find your glasses, and you are trying to read without them. Quite a struggle, but then, eureka, there they are on top of your head, and you can see without utter frustration! I saw that look on face after face today. Each person would put the glasses on and read the simple card in front of them.

I know I mentioned how beautiful the Liberian women are in their many colored outfits. The streets are filled with younger and older women in the most beautiful dress. At the closing, the ladies of the Team received special gifts. These are the moments that touch your heart as you work through the day.

 

Tomorrow will be for rest and reflection. It is time to step back and review what we have done and how it could have been done better. Then, home on Friday. Hope to see you all in church on Sunday!

Jaq and the Team