The norm
Here is a list of things that are considered normal to us in Africa
Taking a nap on the sand using a brick as a pillow
Taking a bath in the lake and saying that is your bath for the week. (even when the water isn't that clean)
walking a mile to pump drinking water and carrying it back on your shoulder
Carrying water so that you can flush the 1 toilet that we have for 32 people
Using leaves because there is rarely toilet paper…
Going to bed with dirty feet and not even worrying about it
A tent filled with piles of sand
Community living… waking up at 5:30 in the morning because you can hear everyone around you.
Drinking water that has algae in it
Cutting tree branches at 6:30 AM
Getting excited because you are eating rice instead of nsima (flour and water)
Sleeping at 8PM because there is no electricity and it gets dark at 6:30
Not even remembering what it feels like to sit in a chair. (we have nice water jugs to sit on)
Wearing the same outfit for 3 days straight
Having your clothing washed… only to have it start to smell more and more like Africa each time.
Thanks for reading… I hope that it gave you a laugh.
It really is a good time in Africa. Just a lot more challenging than I expected! Keep my team and I in your prayers.
our teams here in south africa are praying for y-
y’all. kinda jealous (ok, way jealous), but we’re all right where we’re supposed to be! stay strong in the Lord!
March 14, 2013
How nice it was to hear from you again, Beckah.
Thanks for posting to your blog.
I receive an e-mail message that alerts me to that fact…each time.
Since e-mail is how I mostly communicate, that is great!
It sounds like you are having quite an experience in Africa.
You are definitely getting to experience some very different cultures.
Most Americans are clueless as to what it’s like to live in real poverty and need.
I remember the first time that I returned to the our Country from a long overseas trip.
We went through reverse culture shock.
You will adjust back fast, but never forget the things that you experienced while away from home.
We’d love to have you over to hear your stories this summer.
Ephesians 6:10—13
A final word: Be strong with the Lord’s mighty power.
Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm
against all strategies and tricks of the Devil.
For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood,
but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world,
against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world,
and
against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms.
Use every piece of God’s armor to resist the enemy in the time of evil,
so that after the battle you will still be standing firm.
Spring is in the air back home.
We are on Daylight Savings Time now.
The days are getting longer and warmer.
Flowers are starting to bloom.
I am riding my bike again!!!
Your neighbors,
Dan & Linda
I love how real you guys have gotten with your blogs. It did give me a good laugh 🙂 Great blog Beckah!
Hi Beckah. I am a doc in Lancaster and a friend of your mom and dad’s. Your dad gave me a brief ( he’s pretty proud!) summary of your journey. Pretty impressive undertaking for a young lady. I suggested to your dad that you will come back a lot older and wiser than you left! I have had the good fortune to perform 5 medical missions over my career (India, Peru and Nicaragua) and always came home more appreciative of what we have. My daughter, Erin, has led numerous missions for Operation Smile to to South America, Africa and Asia. She always felt most challenged in Africa. Keep up the great blogs. These keep your mom sane and will be really fun for you to read after you acclimate to home again. I’ll keep you in my thoughts. Scott