I have been feeling like my life is pretty hard lately. Daily living has been hard. In the last storm, one of the electrical lines coming into the compound was broken. It was the one for the fridge and water. So now even when we do have electricity, we don’t have water or a fridge. So, I have had it come to my mind a few times how hard life is.
We decided to ride into the city with Eric this week. It is a long ride, 3 1/2-4 hours. As I looked out and watched these women, their labor in the fields, carrying their babies and huge bundles I thought, I don’t really know what a hard life is! They live every day without electricity and running water, and I start pouting after a day…sometimes sooner! There is nothing like getting out (whether here or in America) to help you realize that your life really isn’t as bad as you felt. I know even in America it helped me feel better with my problems when I got out of my little box to see other needs I could meet.
The ride is a pleasant one. You can feel the degrees dropping as you go up the mountain until it is actually cool (which is one reason the kids begged to go…for a break from the heat).
In our little village there are quite a few grass roofs, with some tin ones mixed in. The higher you get up the mountain, the more tin roofs you see. The countryside also becomes more lush and green. You cannot help but notice the beauty of this country as you drive!
Our first stop was to visit a pastor and his wife who have not been feeling well. While there, the kids started petting their cat. They were enjoying it so much that the pastor’s wife said something to a boy and he ran off. He came back carrying a small, striped cat. The kids started petting her too. The Pastor’s wife said it was a gift for them. Eric pointed to the bananas they gave us and she said no! The kitten too! The kids were bubbling over with joy. Their excitement made the Malawians who had gathered chuckle.
We made a few more visits before going shopping. We were able to pick up a few special treats for Christmas (like ice cream).
It was nice to get out for a little while, though we were all excited to get home! The store was so crowded that it made it difficult for a large family to move through the aisles. The kids said we could make the trip once a year…though they may change their mind in a month and forget about how long the trip is.
Along the way Eric and Pastor Nelson were able to pass out 40 New Testaments to the police. It is still amazing how excited they are about receiving a Bible!
Santa, in white rain boots and sun glasses, asked them for a picture.😉
Update…Our line (the storm had broken it) was fixed so we now have running water and electricity when the electricity is working.🙈
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