B.J. Murrey - World Orphans, Central America

Last night marked the 3rd day in a row that I haven't had a shower. I felt like a little kid again. I hated showers growing up, and rather than take one I would lay on the couch and let our house-cat lick my hair until it was soaking wet. They say hindsight always brings clarity, and looking back I must admit that was possibly more difficult than taking an actual shower.

Here in Guatemala, however, there are a couple of problems that have kept me from showering for 3 days. First off, I don't have a cat. Even if I did, it might be difficult to locate one that would consider me a kitten of hers or even like me enough to "clean" my dirty mop of hair. After all, the cat from my childhood was around before I was. Secondly, there is sporadic-at-best water delivery here in this capital. Driving around town you can see big black cisterns on top of all the buildings providing a makeshilft "water tower" of sorts, serving whatever building or residence it happesns to perch over. When the water works, the cistern fills, operating much like the reserve tank on your toilet. When no water comes, we rely on the water in the tank.

The tank has been dry for a few days now...

So tonight I bought a gallon of water at Hiper Paiz (don't let the name fool you, it really is Wal-Mart!) and came home for a bucket bath. I couldn't even stand the smell of myself! Bathing in the cold water (I live @ over 5000ft.) was not pleasant but at least I smelt clean. I went downstairs and my Guate-momma, Cristina, said she would call a water truck to fill the cistern tomorrow until water comes again. I joked with her that the moment she calls them the city water will kick back on.

Moments later, the water could be heard filling the cistern... slowly.

I was annoyed by the fact that I had only moments earlier scrubbed down in a bucket bath, but could have had a hot shower had I waited another 15 mins (what's 15 mins after 3 days?). Oh well.

Such is life in Guatemala. Never boring, but always a surprise.

Sitting down to watch a TV show online before bed, I plopped down in my recently purchased office chair at my desk (also purchased at Wal-Mart here) and began to lose myself in the humor of Arrested Development. Suddenly... SNAP! One of the legs of my new office chair snapped off and sent me tumbling backwards onto the floor, kicking my computer and desk and printer on the way down.

That reminds me of another childhood memory. One of loathing Wal-Mart as a kid. We called their stuff "Wal-Mart-fall-apart". Like I said, hindsight is always 20-20. For now though, I will just have to console myself with the fact that at least when I fall to sleep tonight, I won't smell like B.O. 

(Stay tuned for the exciting conclusion: Returning the Office Chair)