Seeing Clearly

I don't like dirty windows. In fact, I really, really don't like dirty windows.

Yesterday at Tsurupinsk in the flat where we meet for church, the worship leaders and preacher(s) stand in front of windows that have no curtains or drapes. The apartment was rented to them that way and there is no money, nor any need, to cover them as they face out on miles of open land. The one big draw back is that as the morning progresses, the smiling faces of the worship team disappear into black shadow people against the bright sun lit window. Mel and Kolya stood a little off to one side yesterday, so we could see their faces ok, but the three women were just black shadows. Mel preached and served communion while Kolya translated.

I kept being distracted by the dirty windows. Years and years of dirt. They may never have been washed. They are not covered in little children's handprints, or dog or kitty nose prints. They are not covered in dirt. They are just covered in a fine layer of dust on the outside and an amazing layer of pollution on the inside. Gray windows, not clear shiny glass - but gray, slightly foggy looking windows. I wanted to jump up and give them a good clean.

Today I looked at my windows here in our livingroom. I wash them at least twice a year - spring and late fall for sure. If there has been rain with wind I usually wash them again to get the rain spots off. I realized that it is time - my windows also needed washed. So, I got out the old socks which have been cut into rags (Mel's cotton socks make wonderful, good sized cleaning rags when cut open). I washed the balcony doors - a total of two windows or four sides.

It is always amazing to me that most of the 'dirt' on the windows is on the inside of the inner window, not the outside one. The first few swipes with a wet cloth make a huge difference. The window begins to sparkle and the rag turns a nasty black. I can't believe we actually breath that stuff all the time! I wonder what the inside of our lungs look like!? And these windows are on the side of the building away from the heavy traffic. The bedroom windows are always worse.

So, the balcony doors are clean now. I also cleaned the kitchen cabinet doors. Already the flat feels cleaner. It's amazing what one small area of clear window can do for a place to lighten it and cheer it up. People here don't clean their windows very often because they are almost alway hidden behind filmy white curtains. I can't stand to live hidden behind curtains all the time - I crave sunlight and I crave a view. Because no one can see in any of our windows from the street or nearby buildings (we are at a great angle for privacy), only the bedroom window has a curtain, and that just because there is a street light right across the street now. The others are all curtain-less.

Maybe I'll take some cleaning rags with me next time I go out to Tsurupinsk...