Hot, Hot, HOT!

I'm now in my new home.  It's as hot as anything here.  Living in Mexico in that heat seemed to have nothing in comparison to this one... but then again, the Mexicans have it right: SIESTA!  Unfortunately, we have to work in this blazing heat.  I'm basically moving from water point to water point, chugging water just to make it under the sun.  It's gross being all soaked in perspiration all day (I know that's gross - but that's what everyone is basically like).  I'm in admiration of the local Afghans who I see working in the hot sun... and the contract workers who also do the same!  One I saw was all bundled up - like we would be to go skiiing (though I don't do that, so - to go toboganning).  I wanted to stop and ask him in his language: "sir - are you crazy?!".  But - his being bundled up probably has alot to do with protecting him from the blazing sun.  My new home is dusty... dust gets everywhere.  It's like a fine talc.  Think of baby powder (but gross stuff) all around you... and then some.  It's hot... there's no shade to be had.  And it smells... really BAD.  For some reason, there is a huge septic pool where all the toilet flush goes to get dried out (like any normal civic septic system, I guess).  Except, think of taking that rude water, and then having it simmer in a pot on your stove... it's THAT gross!  The air is filled with the smell, and if I think about it long enough, I might make myself sick!  I packed some air freshener with me, and when I unpacked it - what a sweet smell of citrus that was!  (I LOVE fruity smells... but there's NONE of that here!  Ugh!)  So my little air freshener was a "breath of fresh air".  Febreeze wouldn't work here - no way.

The food?  One of you made a request to hear about this. (right E?) ;)  Well - I haven't eaten local yet.  They warned us about what to eat and what not to.  "If it ain't boiled or roasted, if you can't peel it - don't eat it".  Thank goodness, we have some good contractors here and the food is like a cafeteria at home.  You know - the usual: swiss steak, fried chicken, etc., etc..  You can really eat big here if you want, but who would want to?  The heat would make that food stew in your belly.

Holy Mass was last night.  It was nice to be at Mass in this place.  Again I heard the Gospel for today (the same as I heard at the last Mass).  "Be not afraid"- very a propo for the circumstances.  There is a small Blessed Sacrament chapel here with only 3 chairs.  It is a respectful place for Our Lord.  I hope to keep Him much company there over the course of my stay.

Well, back to work.  Please send news from your lives.  I'm gonna get sick of hearing the talk around here pretty soon!  Praying for you all.