Car Games

One thing we have in common with most of the other missionaries we know is that we spend hours and hours in the car. In the U.S., we have traveled thousands of miles as a family and boy, have we come up with some games to pass the time! Thankfully, our kids also watch DVD's, play their DS games, read, color, sleep, listen to music, etc. and really, the time does go by quickly.

Here in Peru, we are also in the car a lot together. It generally takes about an hour to go 25 miles on the Pan American Hwy., and getting anywhere just takes longer. We have only been back in the country for 2 weeks and the first weekend, we traveled 10 hrs. (only 300 mi.) on Fri. and 10 back on Mon. Last weekend, we drove 4.5 hrs. on Sat. and back 4.5 on Sun. Here are some of the games we play as we travel (just be open-minded and keep a sense of humor, please!).

"My Dog" - this is what we say any time we see a stray dog and whoever has the most at the end of the trip wins. On one 150 mi. trip, we had a total of 250 dogs we had seen on the street. Not kidding.

"My Flag" - same game, different object.

"My Cop Stopping People for No Good Reason"

"My Taxi" - in Lima, this is a good one!

"My Man Urinating on the Side of the Road" - Just kidding, we don't play this, but I do keep count in my mind and it's a LOT. Welcome to Peru.

"The Alphabet Game" - we each have to find every letter in the alphabet on signs, cars or whatever. (I rock at this one)

"Scramble for Change Before We Get to the Toll Booth" - lots of tolls

"Play Music As Loud As Mom Will Allow"

Traveling is one of our favorite things to do as a family and it is always a great time together. I have a feeling our kids will never forget some of the games we have played and they'll definitely remember the many wonderful car trips we've taken across the U.S. and across Peru.

Miriam