The Lesson

My companion and I were riding on the front seat of an old Toyota van used for public transportation. These vans flooded the streets, ferociously fighting for passengers, driving like this was their last day on earth. As usual, some small talk was made with the driver as we tore through the streets. As we approached the onramp to the freeway, we were moving about 30 mph around the gradual turn before entering the freeway. As we watched the driver, he leaned out is open window with his arm extended, the other holding the wheel, like a scene from Dumb and Dumber. With a snap of his arm, we heard a loud slap. We looked back and saw a few teenagers standing on edge of the curb, one of them holding his face and reeling in pain. The driver sat back down calmly and kept accelerating  toward the freeway. No one else in the crowded van reacted at all. My companion and I stared in confusion at the driver. Under his breath, he said calmly, "That will teach them to stand so close to the road". Suddenly it all made sense. Apparently the best way to teach someone a lesson is with a 30mph open hand to the face.

Elder Jared Medley
Mozambique Maputo Mission
2002-2004