Saturday, July 5, 2014

IT'S ALL ABOUT PROCESSES

One of the biggest challenges in Ghana lies in all the different steps it takes to do things. Here are some examples but I could go through the process on so many things.
 
TAKING A SHOWER
There are several processes to implement for even the simplest tasks.  For example: Getting ready in the morning, we flip the switch to heat the water, empty the bucket that is catching a leak, then wait a little while allowing the water to heat before taking a shower, then remember to use bottled water to brush your teeth, put the bucket back and be sure the shower door is closed or it will leak on the floor and be slippery. Oh yeah, remember to turn off the hot water heater.

BREAKFAST

1.  Plug in the coffee maker and turn on the switch to heat water.
2.  Pour bottled or filtered water into a pot. (If filtered, filter it the night before)
3. Turn on the gas and quickly strike a tiny thin match to light it. (Hope it lights and doesn't break. If       so, try another - going through matches quickly).
4.  Pour heated water into a wash pan, add a little bleach and dishwashing detergent.
5.  Heat another pot of water to fill the pan and 2 others to fill the rinse pan.
    (Bob likes to just pour the hot water over the cleaned dishes to rinse).
6. Stir the Cream of Wheat into the boiling water with a spoon. Need a whisk but don't have one so         have to do our best to keep the lumps out. ( When we turn the heat down a little it often goes out,       so light it again.
7. Make up powdered milk the night before with heated filtered water to dissolve then cool overnight
8.  While cereal is cooking. Unplug the coffee pot and plug in the toaster to make toast
9.  Cut up some fresh fruit, set the table, put out some juice to drink. Turn off the switches.
10. Dish up and breakfast is ready.  Then you turn it over to the dishwasher.  Hoping the water is cool       enough to handle.  Then start another "process".



Cooked French toast - Delicious!
There's a curcuit switch for EVERYTHING

My Automatic Dishwasher!
We are not used to thinking!  
We are getting better every day at this!
Ghana Clothes Dryer

More Ironing
Whether it's doing the wash, shopping, driving or keeping our electronics charged it's all a process.  If we follow the process we can be comfortable, fed and clean which is more than most people in Ghana can say.

When Stuart went on his mission to Hawaii, Brent counseled him, "You may not learn patience, but you will learn the futility of impatience!" That is so true!

We both are determined to relax and be patient . We're doing well so far!  Our role models are the people.  They are soooo patient, especially compared to all of us Americans.  It's our desire to learn those same qualities.

We are sooo spoiled! 
African Blow Dryer

We are not used to "crispy" towels but we are getting used to them

Our challenges don't compare to those of the people around us.  We are in a comfortable, clean apartment with all the necessary appliances and they all work.  We have hot water, showers, a kitchen to cook in, running water, a clothes washer, closets, bathrooms.

EVEN IN GHANA, AFRICA...WE ARE SO BLESSED!



1 comment:

Momma Fran said...

Marva, You are my hero as well as one of my favorite people. What an adventure you are having! Sleepy Rexburg will seem like a thriving metropolis to you when you get back. I miss you daily! Love you, Fran