Short Rains

In October and November, most of Kenya experiences what they call the Short Rains. Though “short” is in the name, this phenomenon is in no way diminutive. Most days for the past couple of weeks, it rains either right around lunchtime or at night. This is usually a heavy downpour that comes from a dark sky that was clear not twenty minutes earlier. I do my best to avoid going out at these times, obviously, and have been fairly successful staying dry. If I have to journey out, I arm myself with umbrella, rain jacket, and rubber boots that come up to my knees. I look really cute but stay dry enough.

This past Sunday I failed. I knew Shelvis was preaching at the second service, so I decided to let the morning showers calm before venturing outdoors. I felt so smart as the clouds parted and seemed to dry just as it was time for me to leave. It was still a bit muddy out, but I decided to leave the boots, partially because I did not know what I would do with them once I reached church. I was lucky that just as I was leaving my landlady was driving out and offered to drive me as far as we were going to same direction. My boots decision felt justified.

However, the heavens decided they were bored with sticking to the semi-predictable schedule mentioned above. About three seconds after my landlady drove away, the downpour resumed. I made my way amidst the swirling water soaking me to the main highway where, after ten or fifteen minutes of getting soaked by passing cars, I caught a matatu. I switched vehicles at the stop to head into the neighborhood of my church. The driver did not agree with me on where I wanted to get out, so I got to walk all the way up the road. It was an exciting morning, but I finally made it soaking wet and half an hour late. The sermon was wonderful, and a cup of tea warmed me up. Plus, I spotted a place to keep my boots during the service next week.