Rumor has it our water bills will triple soon. When I hear of such potential hardships coming our way, I remember living in West Africa. Though it was without a doubt the hardest three years of our lives, it is a time I would not trade for anything. In fact, those years rank high among the best years. We lived in a house in an urban area and had running water and electricity. But there were times when I wish we had neither because the utilities only worked about half the time anyway; they were far from dependable.
For instance, cooking dinner for guests––in the middle the power would go off. Run for the lanterns and light the gas stove (whose fuel we rationed so carefully) and continue the cooking. Lights back on, back to the electric stove. That particular meal, I remember, power went on and off six times as I cooked.
I know we've softened as time has passed. We haven't forgotten, but we don't always have on our minds how it was back then. I think our survival skills would return if life ever becomes difficult here. I'm terribly grateful for all I learned those years.
I guess God has new ways to teach me things now that life is relatively easy. We may have plenty of water and other luxuries, but there are lessons to be learned with health struggles, aging parents, changes in so many areas of life ... I try very hard to look on it all with gratitude ... for the good and for the hard, for how we learn, and for what is yet to come ...
Up top: Not my photo; to the side, that's me with almost-to-my-waist-long hair tied up. The only way in all that heat and humidity!
Hi Dotsie
ReplyDeleteI've heard our water rates will go way up too. We take our water and hydro for granted in Canada and are going to have to learn new methods of conservation.
Good post, and picture of you back in Africa.
Judith
I admire you for living that way for 3 years! I often wonder how the younger generation would do if we had a real crisis like that, including me. We are spoiled.
ReplyDeleteLove the photo of you, so pretty!
What a cute photo of you! I commend all those who have lived anywhere outside of the US for the hard work that was done and the deprivations endured. I suppose it does teach a person about many things beyond just that particular thing. I would hate to get word that the water bill was going to triple. With gas prices and food prices what they are, it would be a challenge. Perhaps one day, I'll have to give up the computer, too. Ackkk...
ReplyDeleteOh, the steam cleaner works more like a mop in that the dirt lands on the bootie, which is then tossed into the laundry. I use all of the booties in the course of a cleaning session so they are washed in a small load all on their own. Water conservation don't you know...
I think around the time you were living in Africa I was taking, at times, two showers a day and washing small loads of clothes--in other words, taking it all for granted. The daughter of dear friends recently finished a stint with the Peace Corps in a country where she had to order a bucket of hot water (it was hot at the source, warm when she got it) to "shower". She, too, related how families made do. I do try to be cautious in many ways but have a long way to go. Your post has given me an added desire to do better. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteBest,
Bonnie
Oh goodness, with the pump going up and all, wow! Water and gas is not expensive here in Ecuador, but we have earned to be concious about everything. Loved your post dear Podso. Hugs,
ReplyDeleteFABBY
We all need to think about how we use water. We waste so much here in North America and most don't realise just what a precious commodity it is. We are on a well, and have to be conscious of our usage all the time, but still, I know we use way more than we need.
ReplyDeleteGood Morning Dotsie,
ReplyDeleteI love it when you share things about your life during your time in Africa. I guess because it is so different..yet real! from life today. Life in the good old U.S. is mainly shopping?? Its wonderful to have plenty of everything....yet it is burdensome and time consuming too. And too much of everything makes us not outgoing...but more reclusive...perhaps.
I admire you for loving to entertain...that doesn't come easily to me....the cooking part especially. I like the way you ended your post...about the lessons we need to adjust too and be grateful for. Thank you Dotsie.
Wow, what an experience that must have been!!
ReplyDeleteWater is SOOOOOO important - - - I won't bore you with a long science teacher explanation of all the miracles of water, but suffice it to say God knew what He was doing when he created water!
ReplyDeleteOur church is raising money for as many wells in Africa as we can. So far we have paid for ONE to be drilled in Zambia and now we are just about ready to send in enough to drill 2 in Sierra Leone.
We take so very much for granted...most of us have no idea whatsoever about hardship, though we think we experience it ourselves. What a blessing those three years have been to you. And thanks for telling us about them. I appreciate more all the bounty here.
ReplyDeleteWow. I love your Africa stories. Such good reminders!
ReplyDeletePodso,
ReplyDeleteThis "water anywhere?" post touched my heart! Here on the Prairie we are drier than I can ever remember in all my years. "Mr. Ed" and I were just discussing what we could do without in the way of gardening this year if the drought continues. Does put ones mind to the importanct things in life!
Fondly,
Pat
We spent 20 years in Ecuador and during the first few years our supply of water and electricity were both erratic. We decided that we would much rather live without electricity than water, and that we would never take either for granted.
ReplyDeleteSince moving back to Canada 10 years ago, I often give thanks for running hot water as I stand under the shower. We are so blessed here, and take it so for granted.
A good post, Podso, a good reminder to all of us. Love the photo of you with your hair up.
Oh ! Do you really think our water will cost that much? I love your stories about living In Africa. You are amazing!!
ReplyDeleteSmiles, Dottie
Thankfully we're on well water so although it's free we try not to abuse the use of it. Someday it too will run dry. We take our water supply and the luxury of water itself for granted. Great post! Pamela
ReplyDeleteYes, I know without a doubt you are not only a survivor, but a thriver as well. We do take our luxuries for granted here in our land of plenty... things may be changing. Dotsie, I love the photo of you with your hair pulled back. What great lessons you learned... A source of your wisdom.
ReplyDeleteAnd, thank you for the wonderful advice... I do so appreciate your words. blessings and hugs ~ Tanna
Americans take a lot for granted, don't they? Or at least this generation does. My parents grew up in rural areas of our country and they told stories of no central heat, water that had to be hand pumped, and outhouses. Food was only what was raised or bartered for and finishing school was often a luxury. Prosperity brings society many good things but also seems to make people selfish and greedy.
ReplyDeleteYour experiences living a simple and austere life in Africa must have given you wonderful insights to what are the true riches of life. I loved your photo, too, Dottsie.
We have a well, but were talking that they will say to restrict water since we had a mild and dry winter.
ReplyDeleteAfrica must have really shown and taught you a lot!
Leann
Collecting water from the local spring (thank goodness that was available) for years when our pipes froze was an eye-opener - learning to conserve and appreciate what we had at the same time.
ReplyDeleteToday, we have a waterline heater and continue to be careful with water as it costs $95.00 per 1200 gallons to be delivered to our cistern. I'm sure that will go up - we did the math for having a well drilled, and that's probably not going to happen. We went through many difficult years, but like you, we feel fortunate and grateful to have learned what we did!
Hope you have a wonderful weekend, Dotsie!
Hugs,
Zuzu