Bucket Baths are funny

Life isn't always simple. Or maybe it is simple and we love to make it complicated...either way, I miss what I used to have but am adjusting to a new way of life. Four more joined us in our little yellow house. A family of four I should say with two little ones. We are now 7 and Brooke and I were displaced from our room and now are living in Farzam's old room. He moved across from us and we are all three sharing a new bathroom. This bathroom is fabulous. It is that turquoise blue color that used to be very popular back in the 50's. We have a tub, a toilet and a sink. The tub has two separate nossels for the hot and cold water and there is no shower hook up thus, bucket baths.

Mind you, this is a new experience for me. I took bucket baths in the community, but they were in little plastic tubs only using a washcloth. I figured since I had a whole tub that things would be easier but I have found that they are actually much more complex. You see, I figured I could sit in the tub and be just fine. But this tub is a narrow one and truth be told if I were to gain a few more pounds I might struggle getting out of this tub...yes, truth be told. I also don't like the idea of sitting in a tub that four others are using, two of which are young children who have been known to not be so great in warm water if you know what I am saying. It isn't possible to Ajax the tub before each washing, especially since I am usually after Brooke, who enjoys a long shower experience, so I am left with about half an hour to get washed up, look presentable, and if possible, get some breakfast. Sooo, after about two sit down baths I decided that my comfort level was to stay standing and try to work something else out. My bucket baths consist of filling up the bottom couple inches in my narrow blue tub with warm water. I then wash my face first with the cleanest water, this requires crouching to reach the water. Then I am able to wash the rest of my body. But you can't really stand dry in a tub and use a wet bar of soap and believe that you will be accomplishing anything. This is where our small plastic bucket comes in handy. I use this to scoop water and pour it over myself. Rinse, lather, rinse, repeat.... The bathroom becomes a soaking room with water EVERYWHERE...but it is fun, and adds to the adventure of Africa and no shower. I don't really enjoy it too much, you have to think and strategize, you can't just jump in half asleep and expect the water to wake you up. You actually have to control the water yourself or nothing will get clean. If any of you have a tub I suggest you take a turn at a bucket bath, just to get a flavor of what my day to day life is like. Try it, I am sure you'll be impressed. :) I have gone back to washing my hair only every other day, I won't even go into that process.

We have power outages in Africa frequently. The other day our power was out. There was no storm, no construction...we heard the last time this happened it was because someone cut the line to sell the copper wire inside. We get to pay the price with no electricity and limited water since we have to pump water in. The night it was out we were having a Braai (BBQ) and there was about 12 of us there. We put our 8 seater table out on the back veranda and lit candles all over the house. The boys were responsible for the braai, us girls stayed inside and made salad by candlelight and talked about funny things. When all was ready we gathered outside, Brooke and I sharing a plate as well as a seat with our limited dishes and furniture. The stars were so bright and I loved the feeling of being out there. The wind did begin to blow after an hour or so and our candles were snuffed out one by one. We came inside with only three candles left. The Price family took one into their side of the house, The three of us put one candle in our bathroom and us girls brought one and placed it on our side table. I felt like Laura Engels Wilder and I loved it. Brushed my teeth in the candle light and went to bed. Africa is great. NO matter where you are you can't get too relaxed, it always reminds me of our luxuries and getting back to basics.

Mom, Happy Mothers Day. Without you I don't know where I would be. You have been the source of so much encouragement in my life and you have never given up on me. You push me to the edge, ask me to go further than I have gone before. You believe in me more than I believe in myself, more than you believe in your own self. You are my momma, my friend, and I love you very very much. Thank you for everything you've sacrificed. Thank you for your long suffering, for hanging on even when I pushed you too far. There was no mistake in God placing me in your family, in your blood, and I thank Him for giving me to you. Know that I wouldn't have had it any other way. I love you so much!

Joy!