Our water has been turned off, I thought it was going to be the normal one day shut-off, but it turns out that it will be much longer than that. Six days to be exact, it was shut off Wednesday and it will be turned back on Monday night. We are one of the lucky few that has a large holding tank (it lasts about two days!), needless to say the Westfall's are now on severe water rationing. I am trying to keep a good attitude about the whole situation; I should be happy that at least we have a little water, but I find myself getting grouchy about being stinky. We have gone to Nakumatt and stocked up on drinking water, but I am realizing that water is used for so much more than drinking. Not showering is the least of our problems, six people in a house with toilets that can be flushed once a day makes for one nasty house. I now know why most people in Kenya have a squatty potty (which is a hole in the ground). Actually, it’s more likely that people have a squatty potty because of no indoor plumbing, but you never know...... it could be because the city likes to shut-off the water
I think tonight I am going to try and take a bucket bath, or maybe I'll give my water to Nattie and Sam because they smell like dirty puppies. I can stand my own smell, but I'm starting to have a hard time being around the smaller children. Zach brought up the idea of going to the pool to get clean; we may not be able to soap up, but at least we can get some of the dirt off and maybe the small amount of chlorine might even kill a germ or two (Zach is always thinking). I wonder if we should go swimming with our clothes on, because as much as our bodies need washing our clothes are in need of a good cleaning too. Tom and Cass have resorted to covering their greasy hair with either hat or head-wrap, and Zach is just super excited because he doesn't have to take a shower....... is this just a 10 year old boy phase? I sure hope so.
Not having a TV, we don't know about anything that is happening in the world, much less in Kisumu (not that they have Kisumu news anyway). But, this has shown us, we need to get the Kisumu paper. Apparently, they told everyone about the water shut-off awhile ago..... who knew. The lesson I have learned through this whole process is that ignorance, is definitely not bliss, but rather dirty!
So as you are enjoying your nice, clean water, remember your dirty, parched friends in Kisumu!
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3 comments:
Word on the street is that Rick and Audrey have water...they were told their water would be back on Friday night at 6...so...maybe you'll be getting water sooner? We still don't have water and I still haven't washed my hair...i feel like i'm on survivor or something! Only, way less extreme...I always wondered what my hair would look like after not washing it for days on end. Now I know...and yet, somehow I don't feel happier. Strange. Let me know if you go swimming, I could use a bath too. =)
All I can say is "ick". They have sprays to give dogs baths without water, can't you find something for people? haha
Good idea, Zach! At least you can get a little dirt off you.
Yes, we are very very blessed and take so much for granted! If the water is turned off for an hour, we all have coronarys!
Hang in there and when you finally have water, scrub a dub.
Ju:
Here I complain when our well goes out and we have to go without water for a day. I agree with Zach, swimming might help. At least it would make you feel refreshed. I have to say I'm very glad the water stayed on the entire time we were there. I bet you'll never complain about your sporadic internet service again.
I love you lots and miss you bunches,
Mom
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