Showers of blessing
Kuda Vana is blessed to be located next to a large reservoir, and to have access to plenty of water for irrigating crops, cooking and washing. However, rain makes everything easier and this time of year it is really desired! Kuda Vana’s volunteer, Lily Hamstra, wrote the following about the recent rains on campus.
Yesterday, the sky was dark and clouds full of rain began to head towards Kuda Vana. We watched as the storm approached us, and with each booming thunderclap, our hopes grew.
We hadn’t had rain in what seemed like ages.
Every day, the Mamas or the children would drag a hose across their gardens to water their dry crops. If you spoke to anyone coming from town, they’d make a remark about the drought. Not a day went by without at least 5 comments about the longing for rain.
Harvesting maize and preparing the soil for next years crops is much harder when the soil is dry - but kids and staff alike all join in to make sure nothing is wasted!
So, as a few droplets began to fall from the sky, everyone looked hopefully towards the rain clouds hoping for a downpour.
Well, the clouds, the thunder, and the rain went right around us. Those few drops were all we got. Naturally, there was some disappointment. The sky cleared and the blue expanse brought afternoon heat once again.
Even though the storm was beyond us and the skies were clear, we all prayed hard for rain to come at night. Mamas hung their laundry under the veranda, just in case the rains came.
We went to sleep last night listening to the sounds of the crickets. Not a drop of rain fell as we drifted off.
The morning came quickly, and still, no evidence of rainfall. However, the skies were grey and the nearby mountains were covered with mist. Could this be it?
Around 7:30am, big, heavy drops began to fall. Soon, they were falling fast, and the steady drum of raindrops hitting the roof brought children and Mamas to their windows. Faces of relief and joy watched the heavy rains. The air began to smell like wet earth. Water began to flow across the sidewalks and the lawn seemed to grow greener right before our eyes.
It continued to rain heavily through the day. Every time we thought it had subsided, the clouds opened up once again and watered the earth. We couldn’t be more thankful for this answer to prayers.
Rain in Zimbabwe is truly magical: and brings a refreshing cool to the summer heat.
A rare quiet time on the playground - the covered sandbox has turned into the laundry line!
We are all so thankful for the many blessings God has provided, including the rains this month.