Water: Too Little? or Too Much?
There are a lot of people in Mexico who have worse water problems than we do. In Mexico City, an aging system of pipes and water storage is constantly in need of repair. Neighbourhoods often go without water, and people have to line up to get a little for their home.
Usually, though not always, we have a little water on the outside tap. But there’s usually not water for laundry during the day, and often not enough water for a proper shower, and sometimes not enough water to do the dishes. It’s been a pretty steady problem since the earthquakes this past September.
Since the washing machine in the community centre (well, the building we’ve rented to house interns and have Bible studies, etc, in Las Palmas) isn’t being used right now, we decided to borrow it and put it on the lower level, where there is … more often … some water pressure.
The lovely sound of running water filled the house, and the laundry got scrubbed. Then the machine started to empty…
… backing up the drain, and pushing sewage water up onto the floor of our back “servicio” (a little covered semi-outdoor area where our water tank is) and threatening to flood our dining room.
So – next step? Find a plumber, and hope that there’s something that can be done, at least with that drain.
Since many of you ask, there’s a quick water update for you!
So I’m sure the Cottrill men would appreciate your prayers! Actually, I think I’m starting to finally get over this sickness I’ve had for almost two weeks. But the bug is attacking my voice as its last stand.
On Sunday, I spent hours and hours washing dishes, with the small trickle of water. (Wow, look at all those containers I washed! And there were more later. I guess that says something about what we did over the holidays! But alas – the cookies are gone. Only a bit of 
So, you want to hear about the floods. While I was at the meetings in Texas, there was a big storm – rain, hail – here in Ixtapaluca. My family sent some pictures and video of the storm, but that was before they realized – it wasn’t just outside.
From what I heard, Nathanael did a great job, bailing water out for two hours, so it didn’t flood the house worse!
This is going to be a month of travel for me (Jim), starting today. Lord willing I’ll be heading to Texas for an evangelism summit in Frisco, and then a series of Camino Global leadership meetings in Van (both near Dallas). Then I’ll pop back to Ixtapaluca for a day to lead worship music at our church, before heading to Tecolutla Veracruz for a retreat with our Camino Global team here in Mexico. This will be a time to update everyone on what I learn at the other meetings, as well as – I hope – a much needed time of refreshment for all!