Friday, July 31, 2009

Friday Flashback


I served in the Uruguay, Montevideo West Mission from 2001-2003. Two of the best years, and hardest, of my life. It was by far one of the most important decisions I made in my life. It truly shaped who I am today and who I will be in the future. I'm forever grateful for that opportunity to serve others.

This picture was taken in my last area, Carmelo, which is part of Colonia. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, I washed my clothes by hand in 3 out of my 4 areas. Let me tell you, I'm SO grateful I never have to do that again (at least, as far as I know!). By far the three worst things about it: 1- It takes ALL day, 2- It's so humid there that your clothes don't fully dry pretty often...that means mold starts to grow on your clothes...yes, and 3- Your clothes never smell great. To put it lightly, I'm grateful, even in my current circumstances, that I get to walk down to the community laundry room and dump endless quarters into the machines. This means that I am not washing my clothes by hand, and really...what can be better than that?

3 comments:

flip flop mama said...

Thanks for that perspective. I'll never grumble about not having my own washer and dryer again. At least I don't have to wash by hand.

*katie said...

Thank GOODNESS for washers and dryers! Even if it does take endless quarters and time away from home! I can't imagine hand washing...ahhhh!!!

Sarah said...

Oh yuck. I remember those days very well. Your clothes grew mold too? Totally same here. Yuck! :) But like you said, one of the best, most life-shaping experiences ever. Every woman should go on a mission. Seriously. :)