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November 1973 Newsletter
COLOMBIAN CHRISTIAN MISSION
Dale and Jeanie Meade
San José del Guaviare in Colombia, South America
Volume 1, Issue 11 November 1973
(photos)
Modern library, San Jose - One of the teachers at the Instituto - Jeanie trying to explain drawing using Spanish - Dale studying recent events in Latin American that could affect future plans.
BEHIND THE WHEEL IN LATIN AMERICA
Have you ever noticed that people drive differently as you pass from one area of the country to another? For instance, in my home town the only time people get in much of a hurry is when they get out of work. In Cincinnati, where I graduated from college, people are always rushing. When a traffic light turned yellow there was the inevitable rush to beat the red light. Lane hopping on the crowded main thoroughfares was a standard procedure. Yet, as wide divergence as can be found in driving habits in the U.S.A.; nothing could prepare one for the change that comes when one crosses the Rio Grande.
I have been driving for three months in Latin America. Now, when I stop for a red light when no one is coming, someone inevitably states that, "the gringo in you is showing." Ticos (Costa Ricans) stop for a red light only if a cop happens to be near, or if someone is coming from the other direction. Stop signs mean "slow down a little." Drivers think nothing of parking in reverse of traffic or double or even triple parking. We have often seen the streets in downtown San Jose that were parked completely full, making it impossible to pass.
One time, on the trip down, I was following a string of three trucks. We were in a very mountainous section of Mexico. I didn't dare pass. Because of the steep incline and sharp curves, visibility was limited to a very short distance. Vehicles would come down the mountains at a pretty fair speed.
These factors combined, caused me to decide to remain behind the slow moving trucks. Then, much to my disbelief, the center truck pulled out to pass! As if that were not enough, the last truck pulled out as well and attempted to pass both trucks! There they went three trucks abreast, climbing that hill at 5 m.p.h. The road was narrow for even two vehicles. Each outside vehicle had to use the berm. To the left was a sheer drop (no guard rails either) of several hundred feet. The right was occupied by a sheer rock wall.
Luckily, there was no ensuing accident. But it does illustrate the driving habits of Latin America. We only pray that the Lord will protect us and give me the skill needed to avoid any accidents on the Latin American roadways. D.R.M.
TO ANY HAMS OUT THERE: A MESSAGE FROM T12-DRM
As mentioned in a previous newsletter, Dale is an amateur radio operator and would be very happy to speak with any Ham in the States. Yet, 20 meters is very crowded and it can be very difficult to find someone amidst the racket. So if you would like to contact Dale, check into the Inter Continental Traffic Net. This net meets on 14313 mg + or - one. The time is 2230-2330 G.M.T. Ask if T12 DRM has checked in. If so we can make contact and move to another frequency for a chat.
If Dale hasn't checked in, just ask any T12 with a phone patch. Have them call 25-65-20. Dale can then be advised that you are looking for him. A good friend, T12 GSW checks in almost every day and would be happy to run the patch. Many times Dale will monitor the net but not bother to check in unless he hears someone calling for him.
Besides working the net, Dale can be found on 20 meters from about 2330 G.M.T. (or earlier on the days when the net doesn't meet). He occasionally moves to 40 meters after 20 closes down about 0130 G.M.T. The next project at the Meade's apartment is a Spider Quad. Dale hopes to have finished making the antenna by the time you read this. So you fellows that have reported hearing him but haven't been able to get through should have better luck. But remember studies come first, so don't expect to find Dale every night. D.R.M.
Each missionary is raising his own support separately so please make any checks payable to the Colombian Christian Mission Inc.
All donations to the Colombian Christian Mission, Inc. are tax-deductible.
Send donations to:
Mrs. Robert Meade
R.D. 1 Box 71
Rittman, Ohio 45204
A publication of the Colombian Christian Services, Incorporated