Rain & Rainbows

The Western Cape is currently experiencing a serious drought. One of the worst droughts in decades. The city approved level 4b water restrictions, which began July 1. Insufficient rainfall and falling water levels in the dams  have brought on water crisis.

The seasons in South Africa are opposite from the US, so right now its winter in Cape Town. This winter has been really abnormal for South Africa. We have received some rain, particularly the last few weeks, but not nearly as much as a normal winter. Both last year and this year have been some of the driest winters on record. Back in early June there was a a huge storm (#CapeStorm) which dropped roughly 2 inches of rain in the region, but it was not near enough to break the drought.

The first week we were in Cape Town, in mid-January, there was a rain storm in the city center. We had no idea the country was in a severe drought at the time, so we didn’t realize it was such a needed blessing, but for us, it was a welcome relief from the staggering heat of the summer. I also love when it rains, so I was in heaven. Not only does it remind me of growing up on the Oregon coast, but there is also something so perfect, so refreshing, and so purifying about the rain. A fresh start. It reminds me of the first few lines of my favorite primary song, “I like to look for rainbows, whenever there is rain, and ponder on the beauty of an earth made clean again…”.

Following a few light rain showers, we have seen two rainbows in the last few months. These rainbows have been beautiful and tangible reminders to me that although we have not gotten as much rain as we have been praying and hoping for thus far, Heavenly Father hears our prayers and is so aware of our needs. We will keep praying and hoping for rain in the Western Cape. I believe in miracles. Miracles happen everyday!