Water Problems

Two nights ago (Wednesday, 5:00 pm-ish) one of the main water pipes broke in the building so we had no water. The building managers were able to get it back on a few hours later, but some intellegent person upstairs had left their tap ON when the water was off and, I guess, forgot about it and left. Well, when the water turned back on, this persons home flooded and drained out the entire building's supply of water. You are probably wondering - where did the water go? From the upstairs, I don't know how much water damage there was, but we came home from errands and the spiral stair cases had turned into waterfalls. I know that it was at least 6 floors worth because we live on the 5th and it was coming down from the 6th. People had their brooms out and just pushed the water down to the next level. It was quite the sight to see actually. Well, it is now Friday morning around 9:40 am and we still have no water. We haven't showered since Wednesday morning (and here you NEED to shower daily because of the humidity), the sink is full of Wednesday's night and Thursday morning dishes (it is literally all the dishes we own), and other water based appliances still do not work (toilet, sink, shower, washer, etc.)

I do not tell you this so that you will feel sorry for us. I tell this to you so that, hopefully, you can learn what I am learning - the importance of being prepared AND gratitude for the little things that makes living so nice. This morning, Joseph stood in the shower and stuck his head in buckets and gave himself a rag-bath with our drinking water. Thankfully I had ONE glass bowl so I was able to heat his water in the microwave so it wasn't too bad, but it was still a humbling experience for the both of us. How thankful I am for running water. How thankful I am that we still have electricity here so I still can use a fridge to keep our food good and a microwave to heat Joseph's bath.

I have learned how important it is to be prepared. This is just a small experience and by no means has it been tragic, but it has been an eye-opener to what could come. I will follow the prophets words more closely and keep the commandment to have three month supply of food and water! I need to be more obedient. The prophets have only told us this for OUR protection and blessings, so why do saints have a hard time? Because it is not easy (excuses can include: lack of storage, no money, too busy, etc.), so they put it to the way-side. I will do better at following the commandments - especially at preparing for an emergency.

I hope you find what commandments that you can do better at obeying and work to make that weakness stronger. Ether 12:27 "And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them." I am learning this lesson of having a weakness of preparation. I know that this experience will make me become strong as Ether has promised. And I bear my testimony of this principle, in Jesus's name, amen.