http://www.journeyoflyle.com

I sat here this morning and I read my e-mail, read subscriptions to a couple of blogs, the news etc. Amongst all this I came across an entry on http://blog.sustainablegood.org/ by a friend of mine. A brief note and reflection of his current experiences in Uganda. It led me to stop and think, to stop and reflect upon my experiences at the end of May and first part of June of last year as I traveled with a group to experience and be immersed in the cultures of DR Congo.

While there I found myself soon at peace with the different way of being. Some of my companions had a harder time adjusting but we all made it through. But I also realized how easily upon my return I slipped back into embracing the luxuries of my life here and not seeing and being reflective of the contrast.  This morning as I showered, I had the luxury of running water with “decent” water pleasure, hot water, in a room with bright light… I take short showers, though occasionally waist a few extra minutes and allow hot water to flow over me. In the few minutes I was in the shower today I would not be surprised if I used more water than I used in several day in the Congo perhaps in an entire week. I won’t go so far to say than my whole time there as the first few days as I got use to the bucket… I used more than needed. Those few times with running water and a drizzle coming out of a broken hose for a hand held showerhead, seemed an amazing luxury.. though I think the bucket was easier looking back.

Sometimes we had electricity, sometimes we didn’t  life went on, we played cards at night by candle light, ate dinner by it as well…. life without face book, e-mail, blogs… having the opportunity to briefly check in twice while there… now once more to several times a day.

So different ways of being… we have so much, and even those of us who have seen that we have so much, sometimes forget.  I have so much more that I could write, but my time is limited, perhaps another post latter.

Peace,

Lyle II