The Upson Downs of Alan in Africa

You know, I've been very supportive of Alan going to Africa, and I think it has been good for him to see a third world country and deal with its people and culture.  Now, however, most mornings, afternoons, and nights are too quiet at my house. Its funny how there are some things that I'm really enjoying and others things that irritate me and cause me concern because Alan is not here. 
Things I'm enjoying: 
1.  Not feeling the pressure to cook. If I want toast three times a day, that's what I make.
2.  Didn't feel bad about leaving Alan while I went to SLC last week, because he wasn't here.   
3.  Laundry for one, and no mud, no grease and NO COVERALLS! 
4.  I read as late as I want, I go to bed when I want, I get up when I want, and I might even leave the light on all night if I want. 
5.  Cleaning is so easy.  I cleaned the back room, and it stayed clean for the whole time - this has never happened since I have had a back room. 
6.  I erased some of the old Glen Beck recordings and am not feeling bad about it.  The DVR is recording only what Shelley likes. 

On the other hand, Alan's absence from home is causing me undo stress and I find I'm not sweating the small stuff very well.
1.  Computers problems almost immediately after Alan flew away.  I was awake all night worried about it - .  Andrew to the rescue. 
2.  Wood burning furnace problems.  ARRRGH!  Cold, cold house.  I worried all night that I had broken the furnace.  I had to call Andrew again to disconnect and connect electrical wires so the oil furnace would work instead. 
3.  Having to explain to people for the umpteenth time why Alan cannot come to the phone.  HE's in AFRICA!!
4.  Not having access to Alan's warm feet and legs in bed at night to warm my ice cube feet. 
5. After he talks to me on the phone for about two minutes he says, "Well, this phone call is costing me a lot of money, I better go now."  Same old Alan.  I love him.
6.  Darn remote controls, dang thermostats, stupid messages that pop up on the computer, and  frustrating lawn mowers that won't start.  Alan should have written down instructions on how to run the house.  It seems like the only thing I can run is the microwave, stove, and vacuum.  And because Alan is not here, I don't use them - only the toaster. 
7.  I was sure the furnace was exploding last night and the house was on fire.  It was not, but I actually had to get up and check.  I'm so weird. If Alan had been here, he would have told me so. 

New Update from Alan

Alan just wrote yesterday and sent several pictures.  This was taken at a village where the Church had donated the cost of drilling and putting in a well.  I believe that the children might be orphans from the orphanage there.   

Hi everyone,

Forgive me for not having written sooner.  I've been far from service the last week.  I just returned back to Addis and am staying the night with Paul Morrell at his house so we can  have a meeting in the morning to place orders on farm equipment.  I will be like a kid let loose in a candystore.

Paul has a faster internet service, so I am going to attempt to email some photos.  I'm having an amazing time,  meeting fascinating people and seeing neat places.  I hesitate sending these entries as they may cause concern  for my safety but I assure all of you that it is not as bad as it seems.  I honestly feel well protected,  if you know what I mean.  I just want to share my experiences. I hope all is well at home.  I feel that I am easily lost to this world over here and hope things are going OK without me.  I sure miss everyone.  Say hi to all!
 
Love, Alan
 
Here is a link to his blog which includes log entries and several pictures~
 
http://idahofarmerinethiopia.blogspot.com/