I discovered this morning that I could be thankful for a cold shower. In Kinshasa the electicity is shut off or goes away frequently and I had been warned about that but what I discovered the other day is that the same thing happens with the water. The day the water went away I somehow managed to shower under the smallet trickle of cold water. This morning I woke up praying that I could get a good shower and feel clean and nice for church. Well I had a good shower this morning which consists of a good flow of cold water. And I have learned to be thankful for that. That is not however to say that I will take cold showers when I return...no no they will at least be tepid...
So I have been in Kinshas for nearly a week I believe and also with the family I am housed with for just short of a week. I have learned all 11 names and am getting the lay of the land...in the house and yard. Kinshasa is a confusing place and seems to be about the size of Texas only with somewhere between 7 and 8 million...so Ive been told and it feels to be accurate. I will post pictures as soon as my laptop is connected to the internet and I can.
Today Mama Jackie, the mother to the 11 (all orphans really) graciously took me to a nearby international church that has an English service. I met a few women that will be incredibly helpful in my time here and will begin to sort of plug myself in there. There are many churches I have been invited to or told that I would be visiting but this one is close enough for me to attend regularly and the English service is a God-send for my French tired ears.
Tomorrow I get plugged in with my work at the English Center at the Christian University and with the US Embassy. This week I will also be starting my work with the kids I live with. I have spent the last week resting on orders from Pakisa and Mama Jackie. And it turned out to be much needed but now I am well rested, beginning to feel like myself and am ready to hit the road running.
Continued prayers for good listening ears and a good mind to remember the French I hear would be much appreciated. Also for the people I will be with and that I can be useful here.
Thank you all for all of your support and continous love, I would not have survived the last week without it. I hope you all had a good 4th of July and I will write again soon hopefully with pictures
Love to all
About Me
- Andrea
- I am a wife, a new mom, and a nurse. This is my life; largely un-edited. I hope you learn from my journey along with me.
5 comments:
It is good that things are looking up for you. I did not see your entry before I went to church this morning so I asked your mom about how you were doing. From this entry is sounds like things are going much better.
Your blog address was in this morning's church bulletin. I hope some in the church find your way to your blog.
I hope you get your computer working soon.
Bob.
hey girl! i love this blog thing, your stories are amazing! so surreal! thanks again. stay strong! praying for you, your mind, and your heart as you continue the service the Lord has called you to.
Thanks for the update, Andrea! Everything sounds wonderful. You will be in my prayers!
Hi Andrea,
According to yogic tradition, the early morning cold shower, before one's meditation practice, is a great boon to health. So, your adventure is also creating a more vital you.
What work will you be doing with the U S Embassy?
Thank you for opening our horizons by sharing your experiences!
Much love,
Joan
Ohhhhh cold showers. Things like that keep us all humble, I suppose. I love you dearly and could not be more proud to be able to call you my best friend.
Don't worry about the français... it will come. you know you can always ask if you need help too, I'm only a gmail chat away!
Gros bisous from France ma cherie,
Emily
ps- you are the closest person to my time zone right now. :)
Post a Comment