Chrysalis Farm

This idea that "Africa isn't for sissies" continues to whirl about in my head. 

Coming from a well-established suburb in the United States and having lived and worked in large urban metropoleis in the States and Europe, admittedly, I've been spoiled. Nils, growing up in Hamburg, Germany, the same.

I can think of maybe a handful of times in my life when I've gone without a basic like electricity or water (for a few hours max), and my exposure to animals and nature has been of a relatively gentle fashion. So, indeed, life's recently been throwing us challenges to test our levels of sissiness. 

• getting older isn't for sissies
• having chronic kidney disease isn't for sissies
• picking up and moving from what has been home and familiar for decades isn't for sissies
• losing a family member isn't for sissies
• having unidentified allergies to foods isn't for sissies
• having any chronic illness isn't for sissies
• losing your job isn't for sissies
• ending a relationship isn't for sissies
• committing to a relationship isn't for sissies
• dealing with infertility isn't for sissies
• having children isn't for sissies

During the past two weeks,

• I lost one of my new chickens to Solo.
• we went without access to water for a day, 
• then had only brown liquid come out of the tap for the next two days. 
• Power lines were stolen in the Lowlands and we, and our entire valley, went without electricity for most of a day.
• We discovered a buck snare on our farm — evidence that there is, indeed, poaching going on in our own backyard.
• I had contact with one of the most unpleasant people I've met in a very long time.

The impact

• I went without a shower for four days (it wasn't pretty).
• We had to haul many Jerry cans to go fetch clean, fresh drinking water from neighbors' down the road. Imagine!
• I had already been backed up in doing laundry, and without water, ended up wearing underwear previously delegated to the rag pile. Mom definitely wouldn't have approved (I know, this is too much information).
• The many seedlings we had started suffered from lack of water.
• Nils and others missed the South Africa vs. Fiji Rugby World Cup match on television. 
• I couldn't blog or surf!!!
• We couldn't do most of the (electricity dependent) things we planned to do,
• so, we went and spent the afternoon having a braai and fun with new friends. 
• I was reminded to listen to my own instincts, and do what I know is the right thing to do.
• I think that Nils and I talked to each other more (unavoidable since I couldn't surf or blog, and there was no television).
• I learned I can get dishes clean by hand with a small amount of water.
• We drank less coffee (electric coffee machine) and more fruit juice.
• We get more exercise since we take slightly longer walks on the farm to survey for traps and snares.
• I re-started meditation and began putting more efforts into a "Five Elements" exercise course I've wanted to develop. 

Having nothing to do with anything except it's news for us, and we're both in shock: Nils has lost  8 kilos (17.5 lbs), I have lost … drum roll, please … 10 kilos (22 lbs)!!  I guess Africa isn't for fat people either. … well, okay, so maybe it's the faaaaaarm livin'. Maybe I will be able to wear those size 3 jeans … the ones I just got rid of! Rats!