God bless the rains down in Africa

The sound of thunder and the smell of rain canvassed the village sky, as dark heavy clouds made their way before the sun. A stillness and quiet rushed across the field as the grasses, animals, and earth prepared to be moved and refreshed. Flashes of light could be seen in the distance as the hush of soon coming winds quieted those who stood watching. It was about to rain. A lot.

Crack. Drop. Plop. Slop. Bloop. Blurp. Swish. Swash. Tap. Tap. Tap. Tap. Sloop. Tap. Tap. The rains came quickly, unannounced by the suspicious sky and all around us came the smell of upturned African soil. Dust lingered in the air as rain consumed everything dry. A river of red mud rushed down the middle of the village as the children ran for cover beneath the awning of a building – cloaked in their brilliant rainbow + patterned wrapping fabrics.

A sudden urge to run and jump and dance in the rain came over me. All I needed was a nod of approval from Zechariah and I was off – fully clad in my church clothes, barefooted, I rushed out into the pouring rain. Mud squished between my toes, slopping up the back of my legs as I dashed for the river running down the middle of the dirt road. The coolness of the rain surprised me as the giant drops quickly consumed any and all dry surfaces on me. I was drenched in a matter of seconds and began to spin and dance with my teammate Shawndell.

A large crowd of village children piled at the edge of the awning, watching curiously now, the crazy white ladies dancing in the rain. We motioned for them to come – and with expressions of great fun and delight asked them to join us. A chorus of giggles arose as they shook their heads “no way” and squealed with the thought of getting wet. Suddenly out of the crowd came one brave soul – she ran out and back in receiving praise and laughter from her friends. A second child emerged, dashing out and back in, then a third, a forth, and so on.

 

Before we knew it, a handful of children were dashing in and out of the rain. Emily, another teammate joined us in our fun, and we began to strategize how we could get these kids to play with us in the rain. Naturally, all it took was a little bit of singing and a whole lot of enthusiasm. The chorus “Its time for Africa” seemed like a timely choice so we began to dance and sing this rhythm, simultaneously being joined by several joyous children. Their laughter filled the air as we jumped and danced together in the mud.

Smiling, shivering, spinning all around – I couldn’t help but laugh and delight in how the Lord refreshed us with rain – and how exhilarating it is to get totally drenched in it. Families and many adults crowded near the windows watching our banter and silliness in the mud. Some were smiling, others looked mildly disturbed, and still others looked like they were more than willing to join. Part of me wondered if they would or not. I was reminded through this how valuable it is when we choose to BE in the blessings and moments God surrounds us with daily. Sometimes we don’t realize it right away, but a pouring rainstorm in the middle of nowhere may be just what we need to be reminded of God’s faithfulness, provision, renewal, redemption + joy.