An Invincible Summer

I know we're going to be apart for our actual one-year anniversary, DRC, but that doesn't mean anything; I'll love you just as much in India, baby.  We've had our highs and lows (not just in terms of water pressure and temperature), but we made it. 

So being with you means that the toilet seat will invariably be up – though when I said I didn’t mind living on the edge, falling into the toilet is not what I had in mind.   

So we're never alone together anymore – as I realised when hours of blasting and featuring in Bollywood and Eminem classics were interrupted by a tiny, polite cough.

So what? 

I thank God for each and every day I walk in your sunshine!  Here are some of my favourite memories of you over the past few days.

'Acting' Natural

The world needs more female cashiers.  Is anyone willing to march with me on this?  Sometimes I want – nay, need - to buy things that I do not want to hand to a young man.  Especially when cashiers and guards may jokingly ask “So what are you getting me?” as they're ringing in and packing up your purchases.

On Plans

I have to fight to get into and out of my bedroom every day.  I'm used to the creative license taken by local builders, but when even my full body weight on the door doesn't work, there is a problem.  I have to full-on run into the door and some days I think I'd rather have one of my roommates watch me sleep or catch me mid-bra-rotation.  In addition, there is an unexpected step in the path to and from the front door/bathroom region, which is a nightmare for naturally clumsy people; I've ruled out nighttime jaunts unless my desire to empty my bladder is greater than my fear of losing teeth.

Moving Day Version 6.5

Butters has been looking forward to this day for some time, carrying out a multitude of tasks like washing sheets and sweeping and mopping floors, all while murmuring, “I am a man – a big, strong man.”

The Congo affects each of us in different ways. 

On Monday, for the 6.5th time since February 21st 2016, I moved all my DRC-ly belongings and settled down somewhere new.