the rain

there were two good rainstorms this week which made things nice and cool for awhile. April is the start of the rainy season and it is time to start plowing and planting soon. there is a rush to get the dams finished and wells and latrines dug before the rain starts in earnest...

the ADRA team and friends spent three days last week in planning sessions for the next three years. [the photo here testifies to the hard work!] the messenger made a neat wall drawing of crossing the red sea, Moses on Mt Sinai and crossing the river jordan. these helped people focus on ideas and challenges within the perspective of where we are at. are we in a tight place asking God for a miracle such as the sea opening before us, or at a high point or reaching the promised land?

this past week a concept note was written that if accepted could really expand ADRA's literacy work with women. research over the past few years has shown that a 6 to 8 month reading course could help you read, but you would forget it all - unless you have a reason to keep reading regularly. the sad fact is that of all those who were helped learn to read over the years past, most have forgotten the skill. but, research also shows that if persons have a reason to read for at least two years, then they will probably remember those skills. so now ADRA has a revised two years + program which will we are seeking funding for. it'll be evaluated over the next few years to ensure that it builds up awareness, rights, health, child care, food for harvest and all that comes with literacy...

several guests over the past week were very enjoyable, for the five minutes or so that i saw them in between the planning, regular work and being sick. i was oh so happy to see Friday sundown come.... God knew there'd be a need for rest for the weary souls... and reviving rain.