Thank God for Mopeds!

There are a lot of reasons why I am glad that Wisconsin is my home state (obviously this is Travis speaking, I’m working on Andrea to be able to say the same). For starters, there’s the fact that we enjoy four seasons, we have beautiful State Parks, we have a really cool state animal (the badger) and we’re bordered by two really Great Lakes (one of which is clearly “superior” to the others and the second, well, its name could use some work ϑ). My pride for my state is seen in the shirts that I brought. In choosing about 15 everyday shirts to bring with me, one is a Badgers T-shirt and the other is a Badger hoody.

Well, in all my state-pride (which, by the way, does not at all compare to the Texas “state” pride), I have one more reason to appreciate being a Wisconsin residence – MOPEDS. That’s right, with a normal Wisconsin driver’s license, we Wisconsonians are privileged to saddle up behind the hand bars of one of these bad boys. So, why am I so appreciative of this great privilege? Because this allowance by my wonderful state has saved me a ton of bureaucracy, time, and money this past week.

You see, after living in Addis for almost six months, I have come to appreciate the value of motorcycles. They are a gazillion times cheaper than cars, they travel through bad traffic a gazillion times faster, and they can go a gazillion more places regardless of road conditions. Now, here in Ethiopia, there is only one motorcycle license, whether it’s a moped or a big, fat Harley (as if they had Harleys over here!). So last May, when I had the American Embassy notarize a form saying what my driver’s license qualified me for, I wrote “class D means non-commercial vehicles up to 26,000 lbs, 15 passengers, and a motorbike with a 50cc engine (or less).” That’s directly from the Wisconsin DVM website. The “up to 15 passengers” part helped me get a Grade 3 driver’s license (which is kinda hard to get) and now the “motorbike” part has helped me get a full-fledged motorcycle license, no questions asked. Had they not honored my moped privilege, I would have had to jump through many hoops in many different offices around the city, all before taking a motorcycle license test.

Now, some of you are rejoicing with me, that upon the purchase of a motorbike, our travelling will get quicker and easier and our lives a lot more fun. Then there’s others of you, maybe the mom’s in the group, who are asking “isn’t it dangerous?” to which I respond, “yes, it is quite dangerous to drive a motorbike in the city.” Now, to help ease your worrying minds, I have three comments. First, in six months, I plan to bring the motorbike down to the Gmz area and there it will probably stay. Driving in the country is a ton safer and easier than the city. Second, for the next 6 months I will be driving in the city, but because of my lack of real experience on a motorcycle and my own realization of the dangers all around, I do not see myself as a risk-taking driver. For now, I am content to putt along on the side of the road, wanting to arrive at my destination without an unplanned detour to the hospital. Third, keep in mind the many, many people who are praying for our safety over here. After all, it is only by God’s protection that we remain safe, no matter what mode of transportation we utilize.