Luxury, what does that word bring to mind?
At home, thoughts of swimming pools, fancy cars, big houses, maid service, etc may have come to mind. But not anymore! Now those things sound more ridiculous than a “luxury” I’d want! I’ve been away from home for four months, two of which have been in Africa. Living conditions have been different than what we as Americans are use to, but I expected that, even relished the thought. What surprises me is that the comforts or luxuries I desired or dreamed of at home have changed significantly.
This realization really hit me during my last week in Uganda. My team had been living in Keyo, Uganda and were given the opportunity to work with another ministry, which entailed moving. The pastor and his wife opened up their home to us, although they had just moved in one week before. My first amazement was to feel cool air in the car and the windows were closed! Air conditioning!?! Then we pull up to a nice home with several rooms. (Many homes are one-roomed mud thatched buildings.) Even though the five of us girls share a room, we have mattresses! Which is a nice change from only having our sleeping pads. Then we found outlets, electricity?!?, power?!? It’s funny how we are already not used having electricity, although it has been less than two months since we’ve had a consistent supply. I still find myself conserving battery life in my laptop, even though I can recharge it anytime now!
My greatest excitement was finding an enclosed shower room. In Keyo, our “shower area” had an open doorway and with kids always around, you can imagine my plight! This month I have felt so dirty all the time, especially since my feet are filthy within ten minutes of washing! So, I was really excited about a private room, even though I still had to haul water over to it and wash using a bucket!! There is also a lightbulb in the shower and bathroom (outdoor squatty), which is by far a luxury. Headlamps and flashlights are nice but just don’t compare to an actual light fixture!
Food luxuries have surprised me the most. I have learned to enjoy several foods that I wouldn’t even think about eating at home, like cabbage and beans or flavoring everything with onions and tomatoes! Chocolate, of course, is always a fun, but expensive luxury. But who would of thought that a plain bowl of cornflakes with powdered milk would be such a treat! And best of all, I have had the privilege of enjoying popcorn in every country so far!
Funny how desires and expectations can change so dramatically in such a short period of time! Another reminder to put God first and not count on material things that don’t last. God has blessed me with more than I ever need and I have been blessed even more by having this opportunity to realize that every little thing should be seen as a blessing and not taken for granted. Especially when so many people live in unimaginable poverty.
