When I woke up we had power. I go through the massive check list that needs to occur when power is on. For example things to turn on include: water heater, usb battery, laundry if needed, coffee pot, etc. Things to plug in are: computer, ipod, kindle, etc. The list is quite extensive and I continue to train my brain to think that way again. However, the first point of "Africa Day" is that I just pushed the coffee button and the power goes off. Ok, so no problem we come up with plan B for coffee and move to the list of all the things to shut off when the power goes off.
The morning was an extensive meeting about finances which was not bad. However, it is also tricky to figure out the new methods of keeping our fiances. Then to convert TSHILLINGS to US Dollars. This was not bad just numbers are not my thing so it takes a lot to then figure it out in TSHILLINGS.
I walked back to the boma where I find the Internet people at the house to work on the Internet because it has been out. I was thrilled to see them finally here since it had been a day short of a week since they were supposed to be here. But, remember slight problem. They are all watching me not working because there is no power. So, one of our workers knows the generator has to be turned on for them to work. No problem turn the generator on. Well, that should be easy but it wasn't. Because the worker then broke the pull string to the generator. Now my only source of power is gone while three workers are just sitting here in my house. Then, the process unfolds of them switching out the generators from the one to the front of the center. (The missionary over maintenance is in town during all of this.) The switch them out and wifi is fixed. But, wait I should get on with my computer so that we know how it works and that it works. Because many times you have to figure out how to set up the settings because they are opposite of what they should be in Africa. (Remember it is an Africa Day!) As I am setting my computer off they turn the generator off to take it back up front. There goes the test run while the workers are still on site!
Fixing dinner by candle light. Takes a long time to prep but finally eat. Getting dark but Ron is back from town and graciously fixes the generator. Oh but there is no petrol (fuel) for the generator. Travel to the edge of town for fuel. Get back turn generator on. Prep things that should be on while the generator is on. Leave it on for the time that should be allowed.
Decide it is time to end the day by reading or something quiet. Light every candle in my sleeping room sit down and the power comes on. Check List and blow out all the candles. Finally sit down and power goes out. You have got to be kidding me!!!!!!! (oh by the way my computer is not connecting to the wifi after all the above efforts!!)
Sitting there in the dark tears of frustration form! All I want to do is just hear a familiar loving voice of encouragement to spur me on. Cause it is an "Africa Day" and everything is taking so much time just to survive today!
This place is not an easy place to live. However, saying all that just because it is an "Africa Day" does not mean that I am not happy here in serving. Some days the frustrations of surviving here can just get to you. When in most cases these tasks you would not have to do or would take no time to do in the States. Come to find out there were about 5 people on our team having "Africa Days." Finally, I crawled up on my bed and decided to watch a movie on my computer. I grabbed a movie called "This Side of Heaven." Not knowing what it was I suddenly was moved to laughter and tears as I watched this young man adjust to the cultural difficulties of living in another part of the world. How wonderful it was to have that be the movie I choose to watch at the conclusion of this day.
While I am watching the movie the power comes on and I don't move because I am afraid of it being just another tease! But, it stays on! I am able to figure my computer out to be on wifi as well. So, at the end of the day I heard a familiar voice, watched an encouraging movie (not sure which one of you gave that to me but you will never know how much that stuff helps sometimes!) And at the end of the day power was on and wifi worked! But, I was ready to end this day and begin a new one! There are days that just are not easy and the frustration builds easier. It is a good thing that I know I serve a Mighty God who has called me to this dusty land. Cause some days are just hard!
Prayer Points~
- Continue to pray for transition
- Praise that we were safe while swimming since we found out later there now crocidiles in that water. I knew it was too good to be true!
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