Rain!

Kenya is indeed a land of contrasts.

One way this is noticeable is the contrast between the rainy and dry seasons. During the recent drought, thousands and thousands of livestock died. Sadly, dozens of people also gave way to hunger and thirst.

This land – once dusty and gripped by a deadly drought – is now sopping wet and muddy. Much of the country is immersed in the “long rains”. Everything outdoors is beautiful and alive with a radiant green. On the downside, riverbeds – that were just recently bone dry – now overflow their banks leaving devastation in their wake. As seems to be the case every year, floods (in MANY parts of the country) have destroyed crops and homes – as well as killed people. Just recently, a matatu was swept away by a raging river. Three people, including the driver, drowned.

Another downside, is that the subsequent pools of standing water become fertile breeding ponds for mosquitoes.
Leaving home without ones umbrella and a jacket would be foolhardy. Many men tuck their pant legs into their socks. Jumping puddles and avoiding soggy, muddy areas puts ones athletic abilities to the test. At times I almost feel like I’m training for a competitive obstacle course or the triple jump! Arriving at ones destination with clean shoes (not covered in mud) – and dry clothes – is a major daily accomplishment. The ability to dodge splashes from passing motorists as they land in the potholes (that have now become small lakes) takes a keen sense of paying attention to ones surroundings.

The sky is oftentimes very dramatic and spectacular with rain clouds and rainbows.

Tree nursery owners, shoe shines, car wash attendants, and umbrella vendors undoubtedly make a killing during this season of rain. City council workers can be seen clearing out drainage ditches throughout the city. In the leafier suburbs, workers can frequently be seen hand “slashing” the ever growing grass.

Previously dormant and silent frogs now croak and sing their melodies throughout the day and night. It can take 2-3 days for clothes to dry on the line, as the sun frequently hides behind gray clouds and the humidity level hovers at 70% (quite high for Nairobi’s altitude of 5,000 feet). Termites emerge from the sopping wet ground by the hundreds.

One rainy evening, my sitting room was literally invaded by dozens and dozens of annoying flying termites. They are rather clumsy and their disturbance made my attempt at reading quite difficult. Another critter – a gecko – shared my living quarters for the evening. I think he was happy with the event, unlike me! I caught him in the act with just the four wings of a termite protruding from his mouth. It was a comical sight. I imagine he enjoyed his meal.

The other day, Cyndi and I got caught in a thunderstorm. It soon turned into a virtual deluge! By the time we arrived at our destination, we were soaked literally from head to toe! My umbrella even leaked.

Laughingly, she suggested my next book should be titled, “So, You Think You Want To Be A Missionary?”