Final Struggles

Well, we are into our final two weeks here on the other side of the world. But the time is not without its challenges. Lately our family has been taking turns (2 of us at a time) getting up between 4:30 and 5 in the morning to draw water (remember the woman at the well?) Why? you ask. For some strange reason (and it's not because of the Maoists) the City of Kathmandu controls when and how much water it lets into each household. Some time ago, we were given a huge container and were advised by the other women here to fill all the basins we had available when water does come (remember the water shortages int he past?) So we started collecting water. Also we started using the rainwater collected in our big baptismal tank for washing clothes and flushing the toilet (after all, you don't need clean water to flush). Anyway, back to getting up at 4:30 a.m. You see, that's when the City is pleased to turn on our water. The only problem is, it doesn't last all day. In fact, when we got wise to the time of day when water flows, and got smart enough to start getting up early to fill all of our containers, the rationing started. First the water would last (run) for 1/2 an hour. But with 2 people running both kitchen and bathroom taps, we were able to fill 3 buckets, our huge container and several 2-litre juice jugs. Then yesterday morning we managed to only fill up 2 pails before the flow stopped. This morning we only got 1 litre before the water was down to a trickle. So guess what that meant? Fortunately, most had gotten their clothes washed, even though they had to use well water (which is slightly rust-coloured). But now, finally, in our last 2 weeks, we all get to use the squatty potty! There is, of course, no water (not even in the baptismal tank) to flush, so no point in using our toilet. But it's amazing how gravity works quite well! And, since there's no tap water to wash the dishes, it's a great time to eat out! After all, a meal of mo-mo's or fried rice is only a dollar. What better time to avail ourselves of great culinary dishes of Nepal! Of course, we still need to drink so Ken takes his regular trips to buy a jug of bottled water for us. Tomorrow morning is my turn to get up so the girls & I are going to pray that more water comes - not just for us but for everyone. Besides, I am running out of underwear!

Lastly, you can pray for me and the 3 older girls who are accompanying Pastor Raju to his home town of Gorkha (where Ken travelled last month to baptize his parents). We plan to leave on Monday and return on Wednesday. Pray for our safe return and that we can also bless his family there. Then it's the final countdown!