Let It Rain

Rain has finally come! We’ve had several big rainstorms here recently and they have been most welcome. My family and I use rainwater for all our water needs; it collects in the gutters and drains into a large plastic tank, commonly known as a “jojo”. I then fill up a bucket and lug it into my house. Add a pitcher, kettle and several large bowls and presto! A plumbing system.

For drinking water, I boil and filter the water first. This habit is reinforced every time I imagine the rain flowing down exactly where birds hang out on top of the house. I swear, they wait for me to come outside so they can defecate on the roof as if to say "What now, punk? Thirsty?" I have found tiny worms squirming around in the water and try not to think of what else is in there. Needless to say, I’m an avid boiler.

Our jojo was getting precariously low the past few weeks, unfortunately right at the time when the need for washing—of clothes and body—went way up. With summer fast approaching (well, already here) I am often a sweaty mess by lunchtime. When I first arrived in country, I found people’s habits of taking a bucket bath at least twice a day amusing. I quickly learned that without at least a once-a-day wash down, I am prone to develop that delightful briny film on the skin I used to think only developed after running at least 10 kilometers.

Yesterday the rain was falling so thick and fast that I used the opportunity to rinse out buckets and other containers. And to have a Gene Kelly moment. Also celebrating the rain was the massive frog population of my village. They serenaded me way too loudly but with surprising coordination.