The power came back on. While reading I heard a loud thud and there went the lights. Totally unprepared, I scrambled for the flashlight that I had been wise enough to charge during the day. Unfortunately, my foresight did not include switching it into “charge” mode, and it shut off within minutes. Absent Peace Corps training, I agonized over the possibility of being powerless at 7pm. Although the sun was setting, my body was still on eastern time, and I was far from sleepy. So, here’s where American urban met African rural: a cellphone and a lighter.
My cellphone provided just enough light to locate my lighter at the bottom of my purse (a.k.a. the bottomless abyss). Once I found my lighter I managed to brush my teeth, wash my face, and change my clothes without burning my fingers. Just as I was growing proud of my resourcefulness, the lights came back on.
When I was eight I learned five ways to conserve water. Taking showers and turning the faucet off while brushing your teeth are the only two I can remember. Despite this advanced training in environmental conservation, I continued to indulge in hot baths and negligently left the water running while brushing. Living without what Americans consider basic necessities makes me appreciate the smallest conveniences.
Last night was my third night without a shower. Yesterday was the third day of forty-three that I will flush the toilet with a bucket and brush my teeth with bottled water. Today I appreciate water and power more than ever before. My how the Universe has a way of teaching us life’s most precious lessons.
