Emergency Water Conservation

We woke this morning to a phone call warning us to be extremely careful in our water consumption today. A hose was left on all night, dumping 27,000 gallons of water and draining the water reserve to one half day's worth. That meant little flushing, no washing clothes, sparse washing of dishes, etc. across Rafiki.

I was also asked to fill in for 8th grade Bible class and biology class, an opportunity I jumped at. Not only did I get to teach my favorite subject in the world, but I got to get out of paint duty. After those early morning classes, the day dragged on slowly. I did not sleep very well last night, and I suffered with exhaustion throughout the day. It seemed particularly warm today, as well. Finally I was able to snap out of my trance around 330. I ate with a new family of girls this evening, and afterwards spent time lifting the small ones high into the air over and over again before finally learning how to play "African dodgeball". Which was SOO fun. One person in the middle, and everyone else trying to peg you with a single ball. Granted the age of my competition, I was able to stay in the middle most of the game, which it turned out was exactly what they wanted. They loved seeing the muzungu (white person) dancing around in the middle making funny noises every time he dodged a ball. Little Janey, from the trip to the hospital yesterday, was energetic and laughing the whole time, evidently having a great day.

After some much needed American food this evening at one of the missionary's houses, we watched Prince Caspian on their wall projector. A nice break in the action.

After my experience at Melago hospital, I wrote down some thoughts and kind of came up with a poem of sorts. Kind of a contrast between hope and despair in the light of medicine. I'll post it below.

God bless.


Melago

See the faces in the dark-
Weary faces seeking hope.
They've travelled near and travelled far
All eyes fixed on the stethoscope.

Down the dreary hall he runs-
White coat rustling in the air-
When for an instant darkness parts
And each eye turns to stare.

A glint of light penetrates the gloom,
The shiny metal gleams-
Each breath held still across the room,
Or at least that's how it seems.

And for one child in mother's arms
Or wheezing feeble frame
The stethoscope has come this hour,
Calling out a name.

The weight of sickness settles in,
That shining beacon gone.
Aching eyes must readjust,
Crowded yet alone.

"Feed the hungry, and help those in trouble.
Then your light will shine out from the darkness,
and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon."
-Isaiah 58:10

"When the Lord saw her, His heart overflowed with compassion. 'Don't cry!' He said."
-Luke 7:13