We Would Like Water Please?

It’s late and I should probably be in bed, but I’m very happy right now (for reasons I’ll explain if you keep reading) so I will blog. But first, let’s talk about some of the things we’ve been up to the past few days.
Last night we had the opportunity to hang out with one of the youth groups in Kintambo. We hung out, led a bible study and talked with the group after. It was awesome. Most of the time was spent with them asking us questions about Canada and what church is like in our country. It’s interesting because as I was answering, I felt like the churches of Kinshasa are more...fun. There’s just no sense of time or schedule. People dance and sing and move! Their worship is loud and vibrant. Slow and reflective songs do not exist here. It’s like one giant party all the time. I love it. Having said that, I also enjoy (and miss) many aspects of worship / church from home. Both are good, just different. As a group, we loved the communication with the people. The language most spoken here is French or lingala, and none of us are experts at French by any means. It was nice to talk with our new friends through our translators.
Today was awesome! We had the opportunity to be on television at Sango Malamu. We spent some time on television sharing why we are in Kinshasa and answering some of the questions the host had for us. It was like a Congolese talk show. I felt like the Ryan Seacrest of Africa... ya, I said that. And ya, I’ll have his job one day. What....! It was a fun experience for us, but also an incredible opportunity to reach out to the people here. We had a twenty minute break before heading onto the radio once again. We were each asked to share about our favourite experience here so far serving in the Congo. The highlight you ask? Alyssa starting her sentence with... “I like jeff...... (insert long pause.... insert another long but awkward pause because Alyssa just realized what she said on live radio). Of course I burst out laughing. She confessed her love for Jeff in front of 3 million people. She meant to say, “I, like jeff, also have loved serving... bla bla bla”. It was hilarious. She was embarrassed, so I laughed harder. I think I even pointed. She recovered and continued, but definitely will not let her live that down. (Don’t worry Tasha, she was only kidding. I got your back if she tries to move in on your man. I know where she sleeps. I think I’m taking this joke too far. Classic me right? P.s Jeff loves you!)
In other news, we’ve had no water for almost 4 days now. How precious. My hygiene level has never been lower. I feel like Bigfoot. All I eat is bread, I smell like peanuts, my feet look like a hobits, and I’m covered in dirt. Now before you all judge me, let me take this time to throw some of my other team mates ‘under the bus’. Everyone smells. I think Jared has STILL only showered once here. Who thinks I’m joking? Jeff has worn the same pair of pants everyday but one. I also sleep next to him under the same bug net. I smell every movement. Ya, I said that. Speaking of which, we seem to be in the habit of night fighting lately. He punched me in the face last night. And for those of you who think girls don’t stink, you’re wrong. Kelly hasn’t bathed in days. Her hair isn’t long enough to put in a pony tail, but guess what? Today it did! Why? Because the grease acts as a solidifying glue. Wonderful. Poor Alyssa’s legs are so soiled, she attracts all kinds of species to feast on her filth. She has over 115 bits from her knees down. I feel like Brittany is the cleanest, however, don’t think I didn’t listen in on your haircut this morning Miss Kansas. Alyssa found something nested in your hair. It sounded big and gross. Don’t worry though! It’s not lice! Haha! AHH!!! We need water! You don’t realize how much you need water, especially here. Washing dishes, washing feet, cooking, cleaning, flushing poo, etc.
Tonight was a low. We all just felt dirty. Kelly had this sense that she needed to stay up until the water turned back on. Being the loving and caring friend I am, I decided to stay up with her. We weren’t 30 minutes into our all nighter when all of a sudden we heard some water drops from the bathroom. Our tub faucet started trickling water. The water was back on! Now, don’t get too excited. When I say it’s back on, I mean it’s dripping slower than it takes the girls to get ready in the morning. O SNAP! Who’s kidding who though, I’ve been up last the last few mornings. Ah well. Anyways, we started filling buckets and transferring them to our water bucket in the kitchen. It was beautiful. I’m so happy!
Now that you know why I’m happy, I’m going to bed. Tomorrow we are on a tourism day. We’ll travel to a few markets and then head downtown. Should be fun!
Next week we are spending some time at Bon Berger, a hospital in a very poor area of Kinshasa. Pray for continued health, safety and energy. Our host told us we are one of the strongest teams he has ever hosted. He said we are the only team to not get sick while we’re here. He himself currently has malaria. SO pray for him please!
All is well on team Congo!