RAIN!

I can almost hear the ground sucking up the moisture, even as rivers of water flow in every direction. The rain has finally come. It's our first real rain in months.

This morning, I was speaking to a guard at the bank who was lamenting just how dire the situation is here without rain. Crops have died. People are dying. We pondered what humans could do in such situations. How we really are at the mercy of nature. For him it was particularly troubling because the cost of the few goods in the markets had skyrocketed. The drought is hitting Sudan, too, he said, and richer folks were driving to Arua to buy up all the goods at inflated prices to ensure they got them, pushing the items beyond the reach of locals.

I can only imagine that guard is now smiling from where he stands at his post, enjoying the rain as it drenches us all.

Bucket are lined along any sort of roof eve in order to collect this liquid gold.

I can hear children laughing and adults singing and playing music.

Its really amazing how something so simple can bring such joy. The smiles on peoples faces, even if they are huddling in doorways and their fires have gone out, is something to behold.

It's a magical day to be in Arua.