Here I sit next to our diesel generator. It is loud, smelly and vibrates the ground beneath it. Something has gone wrong with our wiring..again. And we are left with no power. So being "jack of all trades, master of none" I jump into action and wire up an outlet with spare wires. So we are left charging all of our things (i.e. computers, back up battery, cell phones) outside next to our generator. By the way, we bought a "extra quiet" generator so that we can't hear it when it is on...WRONG! The thing is quite noisy. I can barely hear myself think right now. Rwanda is full of fun experience every day. As I am sitting here I notice that it looks like rain so I would imagine I will be taking this inside soon.
There is a phrase used commonly by "amuzungus" (whites) is: This is Africa (TIA). While we certainly can't complain that we have a house, water, food and usually electricity, it is kind of amusing how we bring our American ideas of how things should get done over here. But then I am reminded as I sit next to my stinky generator: TIA!
As I look around our beautiful neighbors I am humbled and often times ashamed at my American attitude. How can I be complaining about generators and hot water when my neighbors struggle to survive. God has a way of refocusing me and letting me know that being a Christ follower is about sacrifice not comfort. So next time I complain about "This is Africa", remind me that I am serving a God who gave up everything on the cross so that I may have this life to live!
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