Water!

We came home from a GREAT Christmas weekend trip to TX and discovered that night that our goldfish pond was full.  Weird.  Did it rain? 

The next day it was fuller.  And the walkway was wet.  And some of the yard. 

So my 15yo, Ethan, and Honey worked until dark trying to fix it.  They turned the water off.  Dug a big hole.  Made a big mess.  While the little boys were just hoping for an opportunity to get in the middle of it. 

Our neighbor made an emergency run to the store for needed parts. 

It didn't work.  No water. 
The plumber had already been called but he didn't make it. 
It's dark.  It's cold.  Time to throw in the towel. 

Honey and CT went to the R family's house to shower since they had to be at worship practice that night.  The kids brushed their teeth with water bottles.  And the dinner dishes were piled high!! 

Why didn't I do laundry as soon as we got home?  With the vacation laundry and the extra towels I estimated about 11 loads waiting. 

This morning I expected the plumber bright and early since he didn't show yesterday.  I called at 8:02 just to make sure.  He'd be here in 3 hours. 

No big deal.  We could make it 3 hours. 

Meanwhile the boys hauled in water from the pool to flush the potty and we tried not to make too many dishes. 

As time went by the dishes started to stink.  Meg loaded up 2 laundry baskets full to take to Ethan's to wash...as well as a load of laundry to throw in his washer. 

Another neighbor came by to offer up her washing machine and George offered to bring us water. 

Our friends are the best!!  Mally and I took laundry in the wagon to my neighbor down the street plus some empty pitchers to fill from her sink.  That made a huge difference.  Just having a bowl of water to wash your hands is sure a luxury!

11:01.  No plumber.  Time is up. 

We call the Roto Rooter guy and he makes it in no time.  He fixes it in less than an hour, and we're back in business!!  

Flushing, washing, showering, soaking, mopping....oh the goodness!!

Our older girls felt the inconvenience more than the others.  Our younger set thought it was great fun. 
And of course they didn't get through the day without a reminder that ppl all over the world do not have clean running water of any kind. 

Thank you God for water!