I look at on the scene and I realize that I am a long way from Kansas. The ground is rocky, cactus abounds, olive trees dot the landscape, and the sounds of a small village permeate your senses. Goats, bells, dogs, rosters, and a few geese all express their views. Occasionally a small truck or car comes into the village; everyone monitors where it travels. The bright sun, beautiful scenery, and calm breezes take anyone’s stress and vanish whatever it is to somewhere far, far away. This is Alikambos.
One thing that you quickly realize is special is water. Each hope has a small barrel on its roof to help provide some water pressure. Even with this provision, the water pressure is virtually non-existent. Showers take on a whole new dimension. The idea of lounging for ages is best left in one’s mind. Even drinking water takes on special connotations.
As I look for sources of water, they are few in number and rare in occurrence. The hills are rocky, semi barren, with small scrubs and scattered trees. The creeks are bare and dusty. The occasional well is guarded and protected.
One can easily look for substitutes. Soda is available at every corner store. Wine and other alternatives are in the town squares. The dilemma for the individual is clear. Nothing can take the place of good clean water. We know it, our bodies know it, and even the animals know it.
Ironically we tend to ignore this principle in the rest of our lives. I find myself feeding on information that hurts not helps my mind. I catch myself looking to partake of food that destroys not builds. I follow paths that only lead to pain and suffering.
As I gaze out on the scene, it is easy to spot destruction. Steering clear of it will be a choice that comes throughout the day. Setting clear sights is a start. Walking with God is the opportunity.
“The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, so, no more drinking from death-tainted wells!” (Proverbs 13.14)
