Blackout

What happens when you lose electricity? You curse, search high and low for that candle you know is somewhere in the house and wonder what in the world could be the problem.  How dare this inconvenience interrupt you and your precious life? Whatever you were doing, I'm sure, was of the utmost importance and now you feel unproductive, disturbed, annoyed.  But what if that was the norm.  A lost of power to be expected...daily.  That is what I have become accustomed to during my two weeks here.  Its never a question of if the power will go out but when.  I try to outsmart the limited supply of energy that leaves the city dark for an undetermined span of time  (usually 2 hrs at least) by keeping batteries of all appliances at least half full.  Every now and then I am faced with the choice to keep my computer, phone or camera charged (having only one outlet at my disposal).  I've somewhat gotten used to the pattern of electricity though I must say I am still distraught when the tv goes black right before Jack Bauer uncovers the true murderer of President Hassan (yes, I am now addicted to 24 as my family watches bootleg copies with french subtitles).  I am even more perturbed when I'm awaken in a sweat because the fan has stopped working in the middle of the night. But what I have learned here is that there is a lesson in everything. 

Yesterday, I made my way to the internet cafe to skype a friend back home.  He had some time before work and I was excited to talk after a long day here.  20 minutes in and after paying 300 cefas for the full hour of connection...blackness.  Yes, I cursed! and thought "how dare this inconvenience interrupt me and my precious life?!?" Not to mention, can I get a refund? Angry and frustrated I went back home to try my connection there.  Limited and spotty, which is why I went to the cafe to begin with.  I tried at least 5 times, balancing my computer, the internet phone and a headset around the rooftop searching for the best connection; Im sure looking like a lunatic to my family who sat calmly on their mats enjoying the nights breeze.  Finally, I gave up, sat down and joined my family here.  As I calmed down I realized, he will be there tomorrow, we will talk again.  Right then in that moment, a strange sense of peace came over me.  I welcomed the breeze that I almost forgot existed in the usually suffocating heat.  I looked out over this city that will be my home for the next year and saw the beauty in the multicolored sky.  I laughed with my family, not at what they were saying because I still can't understand anything, but still somehow on on cue because yes, laughter is contagious.  I have found that without the distractions of computers, tvs and internet that electricity allow you are forced to turn inward for thoughts, entertainment and enlightenment.  You grow by looking back, by taking time to think and not be so robotically programmed to function as we so often do in the States.  I challenge you all, even with constant electricity to learn from my lesson as well.  Spend time with those you love without everything there to distract your interaction.  Hell, spend time alone. Take the time to look inside yourselves.  See what you learn.  See what's in your darkness.