In Africa, we don't refer to rain as simply "rain". For some reason, we call it "the rains". I don't know why this is, but maybe it is because the rains have such power over people. If there is no rain, crops fail, animals die and people starve. But, if the rains are too hard, the earth is too dry to take the onslaught of water and erosion occurs, crops are squashed under the weight of the water, and the suffering continues.
Right now, in Zimbabwe, this is exactly what happened. After such a long time of drought and dry, dry, DRY weather, the skies opened up and the RAINS came down. They came and they came and they came. While the maize flats were flattened, the rivers and dams are being filled. Where the earth hasn't been eroded, bits of green is shooting up, giving livestock something to chew on. These are some happy little goats, rabbits, guinea fowl and chickens, let me tell you! Finally, green to eat! They will produce more milk now than at any other time of the year, and for that, we are grateful. And, they will drop manure to be used in the gardens, which is a blessing. All in all, the rains are bringing life back to many.
It's wild, this cycle in life. Everything in moderation, seems to be the cry. Yes, we need the rains, but we need them to come in bits and pieces, not in a huge downpour, day in and day out. We don't know if we should cry or dance. We have rains, which gives us water, which we desperately need. But, we also have devastation, erosion and homeless as their houses were washed away. We take the rains, as we take much of what comes our way - with gratitude mingled with hurt for those who hurt.
Have you ever seen someone smile so hugely that you can't help but smile right along with them, even if you don't understand the words being spoken? Well, that happened to me not to long ago, while in Zimbabwe, thanks to you.
You see, some of the goats we've given away are having kids. Some give birth to twins and some to singletons, but each birth is welcome. Most celebrated are the female kids because it means that milk will continue to be provided for a family and that the flock will continue to grow.
I visited a family who wanted nothing more than to show me a brand new kid. And, no words were needed in order to feel the happiness felt by the owner of the baby female goat. The lady, who is raising 3 AIDS orphans, was so proud to show off the new little one and I thought you'd like to meet her, too.
There is a small clinic in the town of Mpumudde, Uganda. Don't bother looking up Mpumudde because you won't find it. Really, you won't. Look for Jinja instead. Close to Jinja - that is where Mpumudde is. That is where a container of medical supplies sent by AFCA arrived this past week.
Yes, we send medicine for HIV+ children and their guardians. But, we also do our best to send good quality medical supplies and equipment so that clinics like Mpumudde's can care for their patients with clean sutures and needles, good and sturdy hospital beds, new water filters, and hundreds of other items.
Since Mpumudde has been receiving AFCA medicine, I thought you'd like to hear about the gift of supplies they received. They can't be happier! The head doctor wrote us a note of thanks saying "our joy is too much to put in writing" and another doctor said "thank you for loving Uganda". I couldn't say it better!
Thanks for your support of our kids!
Tanya
