We have a friend here in the Sahel who likes to talk about the Sahel guarantee - everything is guaranteed to break within two years. Oh it is so very true. EVERY DAY something breaks! Every day we are working to try to repair something. Can we buy a new one here? Did we bring it from the States? Maybe it's a huge thing like our computers or phones. Maybe it's the new solar outlet plug - which means inconveniently rigging a new system until we have time to hang around for an electrician. Maybe it's the clothes line. Maybe the spatula :( - that one's really going to be missed. Maybe a watch pin holding on the band.
Some things would be so easy to fix or replace in the States, but here nearly impossible. Other things that would become trash in the States, we have been able to creatively fix or take it to someone to fix. I would guess we spend at least half an hour a day fixing things. It may also help that we have no garbage system - everything has to be burnt and buried in our back yard. It makes one think twice about throwing away that plastic. But even these 'difficulties' that we face seem minimal in comparison to the true life difficulties of the local people. I have never before seen such a harsh place to live.
-- La Maestra
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