An Expensive Language Lesson

An Expensive Language Lesson

January 19, 2020

This week I got back into my routines. Never underestimate the power of a routine 🙂

Ok, so, I did not have any lessons with Augustine this week and next week he will be busy but we managed to squeeze one in on Saturday and that will have to hold me for a bit. After my lesson I visited my friend Martha. Then I came home and went to visit my friend Fatayia. She cooks and sells Kenkey, which I love. I think hers is the best, it just is. Anyways, as we were sitting she mentioned there is no water. It has been difficult to find water to fetch. It is dry season so some wells or boreholes have dried up. Also, the city sometimes shuts off the water. I don’t know why. But I got water into my tank last week Saturday. Thankfully, it is only me here and it has lasted. I was also able to fill my big bottom tank too. That was nearly empty because I let women come and take since it has been difficult for them to find some without having to walk long distances.

I told Fatayia that she can come to my house and get water. She said she would come later in the afternoon. When I walked home, a neighbor girl asked me for water. I cautiously said, “Yes” because they nearly emptied out my last one. I get city water and I am on a meter. I have to pay for my water. Usually it is not much but filling up over a 1000L of water…that is going to cost me.

But I said to the girl, “yes” and she came and then when the other women saw she was getting water they all came to get water. I was Ok with it. I was praying that I would find a way to not just love my neighbors in word but also in deed. But after 2 hours and my 2/3 of my tank being emptied I had to stop them from coming. And even then, the bowls and buckets were lined up and they continued on for another hour. And then girls from Fatayia’s house came! The one lady I promised to give water to. And then an old lady that I sit with sometimes, she sent girls too. So, then I had to let them have water too! AHHHHH!!! How do you stop!?

While they were filling up their containers I was in the front of the house with the small kids playing games and running around. One girl talks to me as if I can speak Dagbani fluently. It is so cute. I could tell she was annoyed that I kept saying, “I don’t know. I don’t hear you.” But I had a good time to practice with these kids. Good time to practice with these women too.

At one point, I thought maybe they were sneaking containers in after I told them to stop because the container line remained long. Since I am not sure I will just think positively and let it go. I mean, I think I would be desperate too if I had a chance for water close by.

Another thing I have learned, and should really know by now, is that God always provides. And when, inwardly, I was freaking out about them taking all my water, I kept reminding myself that God will provide water for me.

Yes, I will have a big bill for the month of January, but it was worth it.