*disclaimer* absolutely NONE of this is said with a spirit of complaint. when i say that i am thriving in the way of life here in East Africa, i mean it with my whole heart. it is a simple life and it is a purposeful life. these things are some of the things that i absolutely love about life here, and i wouldn’t change a thing.
it is obviously very different than life back in America, but i believe that that is why i love it so much. God has called me to different places, and i see why every time i am submerged in those places.
enjoy a little glimpse of life here in my own slice of Heaven 🙂
- you might alternate the same 3 or 4 meals for the entire month
- the tannest parts of your body are your face, your neck, parts of your shoulders that show because the neck of your shirts are stretched out, and your feet. it’s a trending fashion.
- your feet become stained from the red dirt and are in probably the most ratchet shape they’ve ever been in — not even a pedicure can help this wreck
- the running water might go out…and you might go 11 days without a proper shower (PTL for baby wipes — LOTS of them!)
- when there is running water, you fill up a basin and use a cup to wash yourself. i have become so aware of just how much water a shower uses!
- what even is a western toilet anymore? a long-drop or a squatty potty becomes the norm. i would love to give details to the brave souls willing to ask.
- electricity isn’t exactly a bare-necessity around here. charging our devices on solar panels requires a team of 6 people to only charge 2 devices per day. use your electronics wisely, young grasshoppers.
- cellular data isn’t always existent either. and wifi? that was easy to find in every other part of the world. being present and unplugged is the way to go here in Africa!
- laundry day is WERK. washing your clothes that you’ve worn all week, in the dirt, while sweating, holding children, possibly being peed on by cute little babies, is not a simple task. washing in a basin with powder soap and really scrubbing…whew. closest thing to a workout, but also the most therapeutic thinking time.
- you will walk an average of 5 miles a day – sometimes more and sometimes less. an hour walk to town or to a village to evangelize is just an hour spent with people you can connect with and enjoy their company. 10/10 recommend. use those lambor-feeties!
- and last by obviously not least, you will understand the heart of the Father at a deeper level. through the scenery and nature you see, the people you meet, the smiles, the tears, the stories, the heartbreak, the pain, the joy, and everything in between — He will meet you there and He will reveal Himself to you.
