When we got here the heat was unbearable. Aside from being 100+ degrees it was 100% humidity. Thus, 2 minutes outside and you were drenched with sweat with no AC as backup. We showered 3-4 times a day, which is normal here.
Then, one day after it had rained a bit something marvelous and unexpected happened--I got cold! I was so excited that I yelled it. Now, it is officially the rainy season and I have a big problem-it's too cold to shower.
Speaking of showers, I call it that because the Burkinabe use the french word for shower. It's actually a bucket bath. Everybody has their 5 gallon pail, their plastic cup, and their piece of nylon mesh netting for a washcloth. A shower is just lathering up and rinsing off with 3 gallons of water.
Getting sick is frequent/normal. Amy and I have spent just as much time with ailments as without. Diarrhea, headaches, stuffy head, coughing, funky stomach, and today our first case of vomiting! It's uncomfortable never being comfortable, but as they say here, ça va aller (or, get over it, I think that's what they're saying...).
Cell phones. Their is no cellphone etiquette. If you have one, it's in your hand. If it rings, you answer it, regardless of what you're doing. You may even be able to spy the cell phone in the Chief's hand in the pictures I posted.
Oh yeah. Pooping. We Américains are just not used to pooping in an 8 inch hole at ground level. Peeing also. We guys are not used to aiming for an 8 inch hole 3 feet away. And then the first time you get to try this thing out, of course you have diarrhea! Enough said. Cockroaches come out of the hole at night.
If I've repeated something, sorry, it costs too much to reread it all.
Aaron
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2 comments:
hey,
an 8 inch hole huh? thats funny. in kenya latrines usually had really big holes. so big that your legs had to be really wide. kids actually couldn't use them because their legs wouldn't fit around so they just went outside next to the latrine.
glad to hear from you. sounds like things are still exciting! thanks for the pictures. paul and steph
Amy and Aaron,
It is great to hear about your challenges and the way you are overcoming them. I suspect you will be amazed at how you learn to deal with the sweat, toliets, sickness, water purification, food, and just not think about it anymore because you are there for something awesome and important. I am amazed at the large PC staff. You may now be ready to depend upon God daily. God will help you more than you can imagine. You are in our prayers.
Uncle Dale & Aunt Kelly
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