Laundry

Five years ago I probably wouldn’t have much to say about laundry, neither positive or negative. I’ve always had access to a wash machine and tumble drier and laundry was something that I did on a regular basis, no big deal. Since I started to frequently stay longer periods in West Africa I have really grown an appreciation for the laundry machine and hot water. In the Ivory Coast we boil water since only cold water is available in the tap. This is obviously not the truth for all households but for the vast majority it is. That is unless the water is cut for some reason, drought or political reasons, or you are in remote areas then you walk to a well and carry the water. That the water is cut happens rather frequently and in Bouak, where we are operating a Waldorf Kindergarten, the city had no water for over six months. Only if you have your own well you know there will be water in the tap unless the well is dry too.

This morning after starting the second machine I feel so much gratitude to have access to hot water and a laundry machine. And hanging the clean little outfits of my baby girl fills my heart with joy. However I’m already nostalgic at the ones she’s already outgrown.