Plagued With Blackouts

The other night, we experienced a tremendous wind and rain storm in the evening.  It lasted less that an hour, but it flooded the classrooms and dorms with a good two inches of water.  It was compounded with a blackout that we have been experiencing for two days now.  Sister Yulitha, my host and administer of the school,  generously put the generator on so that I may charge my computer; already at 78%! 

The students were amazing in removing the water with cleaning rags and a few brooms that were available. Several of them who had been studying prior to the storm were welled up with tears for their tablets and meticulous assignments were ruined. 

Today, the sun shone brightly, rooms were swept, papers dried, and yet we have not been blessed with electricity, but blessed in resourcefulness, cooperation, and patience.

Sweeping the classrooms after the evening's deluge of rain.

Smiles after drying and saving their studies.

Blackouts are not only an inconvenience, but they truly hurt the economy of the area. Hotels, restaurants, and varied businesses are gravely affected.  But as the demand for electricity increases, ironically due to technology, so will the blackouts continue and be longer and more frequent.  Yes, generators can be used, but they are limited and extremely costly to operate.