Calgary Place Refugee Camp
I knew it wasn't a good sign when I saw the entire front pavement of our apt building torn up yesterday afternoon and City of Calgary employees working frantically. The water main for our apt burst so we have no water until late tonight or even tomorrow.
Then I had flash-backs of Africa when I saw people going downstairs to fill up buckets, pots, etc. with water from an emergency water truck. Considering that the largest pot we have probably takes 5 L of water maximum, it didn't take me long to realize I would have to lug water all evening to get through our daily chores. Probably 2 trips to flush the toilet once, 4 trips so that we could have a bucket shower, several trips to get enough water to cook and clean dishes, etc. Given the situation, I did what most rationale people would do... I evacuated and called my parents and told them we were coming to stay for the night!
This is yet another reminder of how lucky we are to having running water most of the time! And how crippled we are without access to running water. Imagine what your life would be like if you had to walk 5 km to get water everyday. I'm guessing you wouldn't have time to do a lot of the things you enjoy...
I think this is a sign that I should donate some money to this Ontario kid and his project to build boreholes and wells in developing nations. http://www.ryanswell.ca/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=21&Itemid=51
Then I had flash-backs of Africa when I saw people going downstairs to fill up buckets, pots, etc. with water from an emergency water truck. Considering that the largest pot we have probably takes 5 L of water maximum, it didn't take me long to realize I would have to lug water all evening to get through our daily chores. Probably 2 trips to flush the toilet once, 4 trips so that we could have a bucket shower, several trips to get enough water to cook and clean dishes, etc. Given the situation, I did what most rationale people would do... I evacuated and called my parents and told them we were coming to stay for the night!
This is yet another reminder of how lucky we are to having running water most of the time! And how crippled we are without access to running water. Imagine what your life would be like if you had to walk 5 km to get water everyday. I'm guessing you wouldn't have time to do a lot of the things you enjoy...
I think this is a sign that I should donate some money to this Ontario kid and his project to build boreholes and wells in developing nations. http://www.ryanswell.ca/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=21&Itemid=51
posted by Avatamsaka Monastery Choir at 8:59 AM
4 Comments:
When I started reading, I wanted to say "You can come a few blocks down to my work building and shower in the mini-gym if you need!" but I had forgotten about the whole parents thing :)Oh for a toilet, there's a McDonalds just a couple blocks away from you (am I saying McDonalds has a toilet, or McDonalds is a toilet?)
We tend to donate to the causes that hits closest to home...
We certainly to take things for granted, sometimes, and it's always a bit of a shock to get a wake-up call. On the other hand, it's good to have to experience even a little of what others live with each day. Fosters awareness, understanding, and compassion.
That said, it still sucks and it's nice to have parents nearby that can rescue you!
Well hopefully they can fix it soon! It always sucks when there's a problem with utilities (ie. water main break, furnace breaks down, the power goes out, etc, etc!) Glad your parents are there to help! But, it's good to realise that we are lucky having running water and power!
Hope you can move back soon!! Take care!!
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