Maji means water in Swahili. For over 3 weeks now, theres's been no clean, running water in Mombasa. Of course, it had to coincide with my trip here. It's been frustrating to say the least and annoying at times having to go fetch water in the next "village" over, Shanzu, but let me stop complaining right now. I'm the lucky one who can afford to buy coveted bottled water. Even cold water. Maji baridi. I keep reminding myself that this is these people's DAILY lives. It makes me feel spoiled, and even miss my "home" in Rwanda. In Rwanda, my roommates and I were complaining cause we didn't have hot water for like 3 months. This time in Mombasa has been a nice reminder of God's grace and His gifts that should never be taken for granted. The gift of water is the purest gift ever, except that of salvation. There's no life without water. I wake up somedays on the Oyondis' floor, and soaked in sweat, I really just desire a good cold shower, but then realize the taps are dry. Why? No one REALLY knows why. The government keeps "spouting" off excuses and excuses, and promises that maji will come this evening, or tomorrow morning. But there's nothing. Most people here will tell you there's no water because of corruption, and the government broke the pipes in a certain area where a political rival lives. And then the government will act like they are repairing the broken pipes so they can restore water (and order,) but then they secretly pay the gangster youth to break the pipes again in the night, and the next day, it's the same thing, hakuna maji. It gets too old. Now, water has come in "certain" areas, but its dry in others. Who knows the truth? These people just want something clean to drink. There's many who don't have appropriate transport or can't afford to go far to fetch the water in buckets and bring back for drinking and bathing. I realize how blessed I am to have such a crucial thing. You ache for those who need it and can't get it, sometimes feel overwhelmed, frustrated, mad as hell, and just sad. I realize, too, how spoiled I am, when I look at the guard dog and want to give him my water and wash the fleas off him. And everyone laughs that I have affection for a dog. Maybe it's not that I'm so spoiled, just living in a different culture. Plus, they are thinking about people, not dogs. How can dogs get water when people can't? Thanks for listening to my ramblings today. When you take a shower today or brush your teeth, or wash your dog, appreciate! Appreciate the gift of maji and thank the giver!
Isaiah 58:11
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