Ha Ha Ha! Water has come, but where is the electricity????

The RAINS have arrived!!!!!

Hallelujah!

Our cistern has a good amount of water in it after only two rains!  However, we still have no water in our in-house taps or showers and we can't hit the flush button to flush the toilets.  WHY?  Because now there is no power to pump the water up to the tower which gravity-feeds it to the house!!!  With the rains have come the abundant clouds, so much so that our solar power is not enough to run the pump today. So, here we are with water, but no way to utilize it. sigh.

It's a small thing, really. No really, it is. But, I have to convince myself of that.  I seem to feel that I am entitled to running water. No one in the villages around me has running water and few of them have electricity. But, I often forget that reality.

Here I am in my little house (not so little to the people who live with 10 or more in a 12 x 12 ft mud hut), but here I am forgetting the poverty that is around me. Those in the West who keep a keen interest in what we do here are often quick to point out the sacrifices we make and the minimal amount of funds/things with which we live. And you're right, compared to western standards. But, compared to our village neighbors? We live as kings and queens and this past dry season and all its "inconveniences" has been a good reminder of what our neighbors call "real life" everyday.

So, when you think of our recent bout with the extended dry season, please pray for us. But, you needn't feel compelled to pray for our comfort or conveniences.  This dry and dusty environment Has awakened my heart afresh to the dryness in the hearts of some of the children and staff with whom we live and to whom we minister. And indeed to our own sometimes parched levels and inability to receive the goodness of God in the various ways He provides. Even today we met with a young person dear to us who cannot seem to see the goodness of the LORD in this life through the love that has been offered through people and God Himself. There is a constant bent in this one to blame others and to fail to see their own contribution to the pains experienced in this season.  And that one is not alone, we are all guilty--especially me.

Sunday's morning message spoke of our propensity to compare our situations to others and to view ourselves as not as advantaged. But, God Himself has brought us to whatever place we are in and has provided whatever we need to thrive. WE fail to see it when our focus is placed anywhere but on His goodness, love and ultimate holiness. He Himself is our provision and our ultimate savior. None can compare to Him, nor should we compare ourselves to others, but thank Him for it all.

This morning as I looked out onto the path that so many traverse in front of our mansion (well, it IS 12 times bigger than most village homes!!), I smiled as I saw our watchman bouncing along the path with a huge smile on his face.  This is the same watchman that exactly one week ago we rushed to the hospital. He had a gastric perforation (not a small bowel obstruction that was previously suspected) that was identified and surgically repaired last Tuesday.  Geoff and I brought him home (his 10 x 8 foot home) on Sunday afternoon. Today I had a sudden realization that by rushing him to the hospital Kimberly and I saved his life. Furthermore, the vivid memory of his writhing in pain, calling out to Jesus, and yelling out at every bump in the dirt road arrested me today in a different way than it had over this past week as I prayed for him. What I witnessed of his experience could have been Geoff's exact experience last May had we not been able to have his gastric ulcer repaired when we did. God is GOOD and we praise Him for His timing! It sure makes my complaints of not being able to write last Tuesday seem extremely silly and ridiculous.

Mary

On Geoff's birthday night last week, most of the David Family kids serenaded Geoff with a worship song speaking of  God's greatness. Before they arrived at the door we could hear them coming as they walked together and sang on the way.  It is a sweet blessing to live among these kids!!!

Speaking of sweet blessings, you're looking at two of mine!!! These boys were tuckered out after a day of hauling water and the intense heat of late. Kevin crawled in next to Geoff for a little snuggle and in moments they were both asleep!