Driving

 (Lynn)                                                                                                                            June 26, 2016

Another great day in Honiara. Just got through getting cleaned up. The joy of the plumbing in our little abode. The toilet won't flush completely. Yuck. The hot water is come and go to shower in. Takes a couple of minutes to get any hot water, then when it comes, it about burns you. Keeps it interesting. I still think back to when our boys were on their missions and things weren't consistent. Even with below zero temps outside, Chris had only cold water for showers. Even though it's not as good as at home, I'm trying not to complain. I don't know how the people here even shower, etc., without running water or electricity in most of their houses. We have so much more, even in our flat.

I feel like we're making pretty good progress. We didn't get here in Honiara until Wednesday, June 22, 2016. On Thursday, 6-23-16, Elder Sampson helped me try to get my drivers license. We get ready to turn in paper to get my license and their system crashes. “Come back tomorrow”. So we went in Friday and got my drivers license.' It seemed like they put me ahead in the process before some others waiting in line. Elder Sampson said that happens frequently, because we look more professional with our slacks, white shirt, tie, and Church name tag. They just move you ahead. Another tender mercy.

I'm quite nervous about driving in a totally different setting. I've been praying for divine help to be calm and have things work out with driving here. It's a new experience.They drive on the other side of the street, the steering wheel is on the other side of the vehicle, and you shift with the opposite hand. The turn signal and wipers are switched. This old man is having to learn some new tricks very quickly. I've only been here 3 days and it's time to drive. I had Elder Sampson go with me the first time, so I didn't have to worry about directions, just driving. Even going out of our compound through the gate, I nicked the lock hanging on the gate. With the steering on the right side, I tend to hug the left side of the road too much. Every time I'd go to signal, I turned on the wiper blades; but, I made it back safely to our place. Yeah!!!!!!!!!!!! Later, Sandy & I went alone for a ride into town. On the way back, we stopped at the open market and bought some veggies on our own. We made it back safely. Wow. What an accomplishment. We have so many things to learn and do in a short period of time that I'm really having to stretch out of my comfort zone. On my first day of driving, I feel that The Lord heard and answered my prayers and helped me get off to a great start. Now, practice and time will help, too.