You all probably know the saying "All in a day's work." Well I'll just apply it to this week.
One thing we've experienced here is many deaths. I've often thought that some of my african friends have experienced far more death in their lives than I have. This past week another baby died. This was the 2 year old daughter of one of the believers here. She was born with a hole in her heart and that set her back developmentally and in many ways. She was a bit younger than our son Ian who was 2 in December but didn't even walk on her own yet. A common belief here is that if a child is born and is 'retarted' or handicapped in some way or another that they are not a real person but a demon or had an evil spirit. They often try to poison the child. People wanted to do this to little Hawa but a missionary lady stepped in and helped her get the medical care that she needed. This was a struggle for the family though because she required regular medical attention at the capital and they often didn't have the money to pay for it. Anyways her parents were planning to take her to the capital for treatment because she was getting sicker but they realized the doctor they needed to see wasn't there. They took her to another village to do 'bush' medicine on her. It was after this that we received the word that she died. In some ways it seems better because we know she's free from pain but in many ways it's very hard. Please pray for this family. Her father is a believer and some think that her mother is but has never been public about it. Pray that they'll be able to be a testimony through this. I was thinking about how I would feel if it was my child and it hit close to home since Hawa was the same age as Ian. I would be devistated. I know they are hurting but when i went to give my condolenses the mom greeted me and asked about my baby, my baby when her baby has just died. I'm so thankful for my kids but have been reminded that they're not mine really they're just on loan.
This week has also been filled with lots of battery work for Pete. We create our own power by using solar panels and storing the power in large batteries for use. We also use a generator to boost the batteries etc. This powers everything we use, fridge, freezer, washing machine but very importantly now our ceiling fans and small fans that we have at our beds at night. Well Pete's probably spent 6+ hours this week or more on our batteries. We found out that one was bad so he unhooked it but the batteries still weren't charging where they should be. We're not sure if it's resolved but should know tonight. I forget how thankful I am for those batteries till they're turned off and there is no power on a 100F+ day! I'm so thankful for Pete and all he knows and has learned about solar power etc. It can be really frustrating for him though if he can't figure out the problem and if it turns out to be a big problem it takes a long long time for new batteries etc to come! (like a couple months) That might not sound like a long time but it can be if you're scrimping on power.
Oh yes and this morning one of our dorm kids found a big cane rat while out walking. Two of them trapped it and they took it to their biology teacher who allowed them to kill it (with a bb gun no less) then the dissected it for class. It's not every day that that happens.
Also this is the time of year when our kids are climbing trees and picking local fruits to enjoy eating. Mangoes are coming into season...life is good!:)
We have another month or so till our first rains. The days are getting really hot and the motivation runs low but we're hanging in there.
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