Water Shortage

The rainy season officially started March 15, but the water shortage continues.  Most years it can take weeks or months to bring up the water levels to the point where there is daily water.  But in September of 2014 the major reservoir for Bamenda burst and the water was released. The results have been devastating.  Since then, water has been completely unavailable to many of the people in Bamenda and irregularly to all.

Thousands of people have been trekking long distances to carry water or relying on weekly firetrucks that deliver to the various quarters. One of our friends has been delivering tanks which are full of water in his truck to friends who have been without water since before Christmas. One friend reported they can make the tank last two weeks if they are careful.  My guess is that it is about the amount an average family uses in a day.

People stand in line to get water out of public water taps. Others find taps that flow from the drying up waterfalls. Others buy water and then carry it home on their heads.

I hope that I will be permanently changed by this experience.  I don’t ever want to underestimate the blessing of water. I feel that I take so much for granted and have no idea how much I have that I just expect instead of feeling grateful. It was funny as we ate in the dark without even a flashlight; our guest from Germany was shocked that we hardly even blinked about it. She also tried to use our tap water and I had to remind her that we have to filter it. When I was back in the states it was awkward for me to get water from the tap.

The longest we have been without water was three days. We had to drive to get water when the outside tank outside ran low. Most days the water just goes on and off for several hours at a time.  Usually we are not really bothered. We can always heat up water if we don’t want a cold bucket bath or just use extra perfume. But when my control issues flare up about no internet or not being able to do the dishes, I can get quite frustrated (bordering on entitled). It is a great time to stop and ask God “Is there something else you want me to be doing?” Just one of the many ways I am SLOWLY changing from MY time to God’s time.

-Joy