Toilet Paper

Let's talk toilet paper. Yes, really. It is amazing how big of a deal toilet paper has been in our missionary experiences. I mean, is toilet paper not something that we take for granted in the U.S.? You would never expect to go to someone's house or to a restaurant and there be no tp, for goodness sake.

When we moved to Cuba 12 years ago, shopping was an adventure in itself, but finding certain items was like being on a scavenger hunt. Toilet paper was not to be found. We went to every little store we saw, but alas, no tp. Finally, walking around Havana aghast, we saw a store window with two rolls in it! We went in, only to be told we couldn't buy it without a ration card. In Cuba, food, clothing and personal items are rationed. Some months, the people would get a roll of toilet paper, some months they would not. Not to be defeated, we kept looking and finally found a store that had actual packages of tp, and bought several. Many weeks, we went from store to store until we found some!!

In Peru, very few public restrooms have tp....most do not. We learned right away to always, and I mean always, carry tp with us wherever we go. In many public places, in Cuba and Peru, you can buy a few squares of tp outside of the restroom. If I need to do this, I always want to laugh and say "are you kidding me?!" Instead, I just ask for more......and pay for it.

Another thing is, the tp used in places like this is more like crepe paper than anything - seriously, it's pitiful, and yes, if it were any color but white, you could decorate with it.

In some nicer stores and restaurants, there will be one big roll in the restroom, from which each person gets what they need from it, enters a stall, etc. but the stalls don't have any. In the really nice stores and restaurants, there will be tp in the stalls. I am always so happy and know I'm in a nice place when I see tp in the stalls!

Now, in the stores here, there is an endless supply of nice Kleenex 3-ply tissue, so we are never at a loss at home! Thank goodness. There's even tp with dogs on it, or you can use the kind with flowers on it, if you so choose.

Visiting people in their homes can also be tricky, as most may (or may not) have a roll in their restroom.

Needless to say, toilet paper is an integral part of planning any outing of any sort. We have totally gotten used to it and it's really no big deal, but something we still joke and laugh about.

So, if you ever come see us in Peru, just be prepared the minute you step off the plane, and have a roll handy!

Miriam