The Bigger Picture

This is where the family now huddles around in the evening and it provides us with comfort and a glow in the room that bring us cheer in these days without power. A Kersone heater or lantern is really all it is.

The power is out, has been for four days, it is quite an inconvenience compared to living with power in our daily lives but that doesn't mean we survive on just electricity alone. As you may know I live in what's called the sticks, not the boondocks but a wooded area so I know I will be among the last to get power and I am ok with that because I know the hospitals, fire stations, elderly and police need it far more than us. One day at a time is the name of the game and it's a learning progress which we already had a crash course in when the hurricane hit us 2 months ago. In a way it's a good thing because our day to day lives need to be put into perspective every once in awhile from the fuel we put in our tank to the toilets we flush. So so much goes on everyday with the luxury's and comforts of living in safe clean environment everyday of our lives. It makes me think of a visit I had in Ethiopia 2 years ago where I was put into perspective how some of us get to live. Why are some given so much and some so little. I imagine the answer will never be revealed, but really I could only imagine it's a lottery. When I was in Ethiopia, a small town in Dhera, the living conditions was that of only simplicity, a roof over their heads, worn and I mean WORN pair of sandals, some tattered clothing and a smile on their face. We were with my Wife's Dental team and we had just arrived to the small village where we were greeted with tremendous smiles despite the painful work that was ahead of the team. I then got to see first hand what life was outside of the capital city. The people were so amazingly friendly, I would walk around the grounds and have groups of locals following my every move and watching me like I was from outer space. The red hair and freckles hairy arms and tattoos were not helping me blend in too well either. But it blew me away how up beat and friendly and positive they were. We were there helping them as much as we could and in return I was left with a beautiful memory of their smiles and warm feelings the local people left with me. I forget all too much in the hustle and bustle of day to day life and with the power zapped out I more than ever think back to how little we need to survive and how MUCH we are offered! So when you flush that toilet, warm that left over food, take that hot shower, remember how truly fortunate you may be. So in conclusion I leave the smiles of Africa in memoir