Ombura

Our rains have come late in Opuwo. During "normal"years, the first rainy season typically arrives in October-November. It is now nearing the end of January and the rains are just getting started. Rain is such a blessing here...it cuts the humidity of the day, saturates the parched ground, and replenishes the spirit as well. It is amazing to sit out on the porch in the evening when the storm is gathering energy. First the intense gusts of wind strike, slamming any doors and windows casually left open. Then the thunder bellows off in the distance, usually only seconds before the drumming can be heard; here you almost always hear the rain before you see it. As the storm travels through the valley, the pounding water beats its way across every tin roof it encounters, like military drums announcing the approach of war. Only the toughest plants survive the pounding. Then, just as quickly as it came, the noise ceases, and the land echoes in a damp silence. Its magical, the sound of the rain falling. After only a few weeks the entire town is painted in shades of green and large pools have formed on the ground which will stay with us until the next dry season.

A storm approaching town.