Shocked
I had an interesting day yesterday. I was struck by lightning. Well not quite, lightning struck somewhere outside my house, went through the power lines and attacked me. Seriously, that actually happened.
It was raining off and on all day yesterday. By the time I had gotten home it was still overcast but not the downpour it once was. I decided to do so me work on the computer and it started to sprinkle again. Now I suppose at any sign of rain one should immediately turn off electronics for fear of a power surge but I figured it was just a light amount of rain and there hadn't been any lightning yet. The next sequence happened in about half a second. I saw a bright light out of the corner of my eye where my outlet and surge protector are and then I was on the ground. I shouted or at least my brain was shouting and I was paralyzed on the floor still in the sitting position both arms out in the air. My heart felt like it was about to give out and I was disoriented and confused as to what just happened. The continuity of events that holds my reality together was abruptly changed. I should not have been in pain and horizontal, I should be typing and vertical. Things started to clear in my brain and I could move after a few seconds but I was numb and my heart was still racing. I got up and went outside just to tell someone I was alright because I thought I had shouted when the lightning struck. After assuring everyone I was fine and agreeing that I should not be using electronics in a lightning storm I turned off my computer, which miraculously is still alive, and laid down to laugh at myself.
So now the power is out in my village. As I said my computer is still working but I have a feeling my surge protector is shot and perhaps my power converter for my laptop as well but I won't know until power is running to the village again. Even worse is that I don't have any cool scars or super powers to prove my story. I think there was some hair that got singed and my left arm is still sore but nothing other than that. I still run at the same speed and am able to lift the same amount of weight, actually a little less for both since I am kind of sore
I will be sure to just read in the corner the next sign of rain is on the horizon.
KLM
I need to get this out now because I have been warned that I have not received any donations and that I failing my duties. As some of you or may not know, many South African PCVs participate in a annual marathon for charity, you can read all about it here and here. The participants are supposed to raise at least $100 dollars so that rural learners may have the opportunity to attend college. So I am asking for donations as I am participating. I am not running the marathon but walking half of it, but come on I got struck by lightning...sort of. Everyone knows but it is worth saying that every bit helps and it will only take a few moments of your time and it is a good cause. Plus if I don't get they will break my thumbs.
Directions for Donating
The easiest way is through an online donation here.
Click on the Donate photo in the upper right corner.
This opens up a secure https connection for you to donate.
Please put my name (Noah Prescott) in the "Longtom Marathon" field so everyone knows the donation was made in my name. Thanks.