African Rains

For a while during the Tanzanian adoption process, it was hard to remember to appreciate our home.  Some of the worst parts of Africa were rearing their ugly heads and an appreciation for this beautiful country were in short supply. 

Even now, life is still not easy and Mommy is anxious for us to get to California as soon as possible.  However, there are moments when the beauty of my country comes to life in vivid color.  The afternoons of November and early December are some of those times.  The short rains come in these months, and they are a sight to behold.

I've also heard Mommy telling Bada about East Africa and how life is just....MORE.....here.  The highs are higher, the lows are lower, the sky is bluer, the grief is deeper.  Life is really being lived here, it is not muted by convenience, it is intense and very real.  The short rains are no different.  The storm clouds roll in and the thunder begins to roll in a very serious intense way.  And then the storm is upon us, everyone is running through the yard to get things in and out of the rain, and the rain comes alive as if it is a living being, talking to us and telling us.....the air clears and the smell of African rain is deeply breathed in.  In short, it is a beautiful experience. 

Today a rainbow appeared to set down right in our yard against our jacaranda tree, and we all stood on our veranda, Uncle Gogo, Shei Shei, Mommy, Jenny, David and I and stared mesmerized by our rainbow and our beautiful serious, scary, living storm.  I hope you all have the possibility to experience the african rains at some point in your lives....something not to be missed.