Burnt Rondoval Roof and NO rain

Just got back from a very very dry Matsaile. I had gone on Tuesday for the twice monthly doctor team visit. Our team (ophthalmic nurse and two pharmacy techs) and I were met at the plane by Justin and Korby. They were on their way back to the capital city (Maseru) for their time out of the village to rest, restock, take in some fast food and a movie or two. We waved by to the guys as the dust flew from the airplane takeoff. As we started the 20 minute walk to the village I noticed just how dry it had gotten. A guy rode by me on a horse and I nearly choked from the dust it had kicked up. The problem is that we've had essentially NO snow in the mountains this winter. And that's a problem. No snow, no nitrogen for the soil, and likely not as good of corn crop. (A friend shared with me that as snow is formed it captures nitrogen from the atmosphere). This is windy season and so the combination of no snow, plowed fields, and high winds = dust, dust, and more dust.

We reached the village and as the team was setting up the medicines, I walked over to the chief's rondoval to greet him and find out more about what happened. I had been informed by the guys that Saturday night someone tried to burn down the chief's rondoval while he was sleeping in it! The chief was matter-of-fact about it sharing that it was just an act of 'juvenile deliquency' and not to worry. A message had been sent to the police and they were just waiting from them to come and apprehend the accused. The police are at a town 3-4 hours away. The thatch roof was burnt on the lower edge around about half the perimeter. Fortunately he had noticed the smoke and then saw the flames out his window. According to the chief, several people came to his rescue and put it out before it destroyed the roof. After he shared his story, I prayed for him, the people of Matsaile village, and especially for the person who tried to kill the chief. We know that only God can change a person from a murder to a follower of him (remember Saul who became Paul).

I rejoined the doctor team as they were set up and ready to begin the day of work. We began with a song and then I prayed for the sick, for rain, and for God to open the eyes of the peopel to see the beauty of Jesus Christ. It was a pretty usual day as we cared for 52 patients - providing the diagnoses and needed medicines. The people are very thankful for the government providing this service as the closest clinic is a 3 hour walk (there are no vehicles or roads in Matsaile).

Went and saw the chief again before we left to walk back to the airstrip. The MAF plane was later than expected. After some time I found out that there was a problem with the plane after it landed at an airstrip just a 10 minute flight away. Another plane and pilot was sent from Maseru to pick up Melvin and then proceed to Matsaile. I ended up staying behind as there wasn't space for all of us - and I had the key to the guys rondoval. I had a very quiet and restful evening which I used for reading the bible and praying that God would do a mighty work in the hearts of the people of Matsaile. The next morning a plane came to get me and bring me back to Maseru.

As we flew back over the central range of the Maluti mountains I couldn't help but notice how dry everywhere was, and even the reservoirs were lower than usual. We really need rain. Please pray that God would send those long soaking rains that will help for the Spring planting and to replenish the reservoirs. Pray too for the safety of our MAF pilot colleagues as this is the 'windy season' and mountain flying becomes much more challenging.

Daily by His grace...