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 Along with the New Year here in Jinja, comes the continuation of a dry season that will last another two months. My teammate, Kym Langford, describes the dry season as “It’s hot, dusty and everyone’s hungry!” I guess I’ve never really stopped to consider how rain, or the absence of rain affects people and places outside my small “world.” In fact, I’ve always found rain to be quite disrupting to summer events and bothersome when running errands in and out of stores – with children! You know the rhyme, “Rain, rain go away come again another day.” I’ve chanted that – many times over. Well, that is one rhyme you won’t hear people reciting in Uganda. This is the first time I have ever lived in a place where people actually pray for rain; a place where people depend on rain; a place where rain is considered a blessing. Send Rain.
We haven’t seen rain since the beginning of December and the people here say we probably won’t see any at all during January. As I look around, I see the affects it’s having. People are forced to walk the roads with cloths to cover their mouth and nose due to billowing dust that is drawn up from vehicles passing. The red dust covers the trees and bushes, the grass is turning brown, temperatures have risen, and more importantly the crops are suffering. Food is less accessible, and that which is available is more expensive than usual. As I listen to the concerns and complaints of the local people I am realizing how a drought such as this causes a person to look outside of themselves for provision. The people of Uganda need rain, and, therefore, they need the One who sends it. Send rain.
There’s a part of me that has pity on this place, especially at a time like this. But there is another part me that is oddly jealous. I envy how the life of a Ugandan is directly dependent on God for provision and survival – even if they, themselves, don’t recognize it. They get illnesses but don’t have money to buy medicine. Send Rain. They tend crops for their livelihood, but can’t make them grow without appropriate conditions. Send Rain. They need small amounts of money for basic, everyday needs, but they are unable to find jobs. Send Rain.
I know being in a drought doesn’t seem like something to wish for, but standing on the outside looking in, I can appreciate the purpose it plays in one’s walk of faith. Unfortunately, I’ve always had all the water I’ve ever needed or wanted. What is it like to have a need and not be able to provide for yourself? What is it like to desperately know you are not the one in control of your life? As Americans, we pride ourselves in personal success and achievement. At the close of each year we are able to reflect upon our accomplishments, and set new goals and resolutions for the coming year. We have countless resources that allow us to succeed and provide for ourselves, and yet, somehow we so often still feel empty. I am reminded of the words from a Caedmon’s Call song, “Water, Water everywhere, yet I complain about my thirst.” This is me. The people of Uganda, however, by the very nature of their life, are learning to place their faith in God on a daily basis to sustain them. They persevere in prayer during this dry season, asking God to send rain. This has humbled me. I pray that I will recognize the droughts in my life and learn how to rely less on myself, and more on my Provider. For continuing in the song, “I know the longer, I know the harder the walk will be, with my calloused feet and my too tender knees.” Send rain.
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Lori's Closet 
