When Becky first proposed my going to town for the weekend to visit Kara while Mike did a supply run and went to a meeting I didn't jump at the chance. I felt shy about imposing on this missionary girl I'd met briefly but not really talked to. Intimidating me further, to make the arrangements, I had to invite myself over.
But in the end, it was a great way to mark my anniversary of one month in the village: by getting OUT of the village. It was also great to hang around with a North American of my peer group for the first time in almost two months. And, life at the Lutheran compound is the lap of luxury.
It's the little things that make the difference. With the disclaimer that we really want for nothing in the village (as far as necessities go), and that we live like kings compared to the rest of the village, nevertheless, my stay in Kumba was remarkable for the many little luxuries I enjoyed there. Electricity whose use is not strictly monitored, climate control in the form of ceiling fans and an air conditioned computer room, a greater variety of food available at the market down the street, paved or at least gravelled roads, even soft toilet paper-these are things one can easily live without, but are so very appreciated when one has.
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