Watch the Walk

I stared out at the parking lot taking it all in. Cars parked in their spaces, street lights keeping it lit up... it was just a large parking lot. But I hadn't seen one in person for over 8 months. It felt so familiar. And so strange. I'm in mainland Africa for a little over a month doing some training and getting a little time for rest and refreshment. After being here for just a day it's still a little strange. I woke up this morning and my nose was cold. But then I got to take a hot shower! There's bacon in the stores here. And ham. And sausage. And American-style cheeses. And options. On my island if you want a thermos you have 1 design option and 2 style options. You might buy it from any number of different stores, but it will be the exact same type of thermos. Today in a store I stood and stared at what felt like 200 different thermos options. After not seeing a French Press in a store anywhere on my island I found myself face to face with 10 different options in...

Men pouring cement Today's a short post as I've been wor king on my summer newsletter and put a lot of the latest stories in that. But here's an account of today! Today wasn't a normal day. I'm actually getting ready to head to mainland Africa for a few wee ks-- my first time being on a continent in over 8 months! So that means pac king and straightening in the house. Oh , and hauling water. The pump for our "lower cistern" bro ke , so if I want water in the house I have to haul it from the neighbors'.  On my way into the house after hauling a couple loads , one of the girls who lives downstairs as ked me to braid her hair. She's as ked me a few times and I've always demurred with the explanation that I don't know the African way of braiding hair. But I've had my hair done enough that this time I figured I could manage their simplest way of braiding. So , after seeing if she was really , really sure I agreed to do her hair. That only to...