Summer Heat
Sun beat down on flat roofs in long Karachi summers.
Electricity failed. Lines melted. Disconnecting and falling in the street.
The interior of our home was an oven. Climbing over 100 degrees at times.
We read of people dying in Chicago one summer. Why? Fans combined with heat above a certain temperature in their apartments turned those spaces into convection ovens.
Oh. We were getting cooked.
Old method
We heard about an old method. For cooling homes in the desert. And decided to try it.
Common earthenware pots were turned upside down all over the flat roof. Then topped with square clay tiles.
When water was available, we wet the pots and tiles.
It lowered the temperature in the room below by 5-10 degrees.
Just a few degrees made such a difference. Much better for clear thinking. And more energy to accomplish common everyday tasks.
Cooling off
Sometimes we set up a kiddy play pool in the shade on the balcony. And sat in it.
On nights when electricity was off, jumping in a shower in our pajamas, then lying on the tile floor offered relief.
Some days the water in the tank on the roof heated to the point there was only hot water available through all the pipes. But at night the supply cooled down.
Somewhat.
Kind rebuke
We struggled with contentment in Karachi summers. During water scarcity. And unstable electricity.
Frustration led to complaining.
But one day our friends gently reminded us. “When this is happening to you, it helps you understand what many people in this city–who have fewer resources–are going through every day.”
Their kind rebuke turned our eyes away from our own discomfort.
And towards others. Who were truly suffering.
Suffering
People in some areas of the city had no electricity. Period.
And no personal access to a water source. At all.
The lines to public water pumps in many neighborhoods were long waits in burning summer heat.
Violence erupted on the streets. As people fought for basic needs.
Reflection
Written during one Karachi summer.
Fierce oven-heat of a
Karachi summer
and my head is
pounding
pounding
electricity off
no fan to stir the air—
the thick, warm air
the still, heavy air
pressing
pressing
until I can’t breathe
I can’t think
–such effort just to speak
so I sit
my skin
throbbing
throbbing
crying for a breeze.
Fierce oven-heat of a
Karachi summer
and the people are
suffering
suffering
electricity off
no fans to stir the air—
the thick, warm air
the still, heavy air
pressing
pressing
until the city can’t breathe
or sing or think
–such effort just to speak
so anger
simmers
boils
explodes into
fiery violence
and death.
Learning contentment
Through the years, the Lord continues to teach me thanksgiving in the midst of discomfort.
I’m still learning contentment when things aren’t running according to plan. Often I need reminders to get my eyes off me.
To focus on Him. And the needs of others.
“I know how to make do with little, and I know how to make do with a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content—whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. I am able to do all things through him who strengthens me.”
Todd and Susan, along with their three children, served in South and Southeast Asia for 26 years. Todd is currently the Executive Vice President and COO of the International Mission Board.