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| An overcast drizzly morning in the jungle. My favorite! |
I read not long ago that it’s good to sweat because it helps
your body get rid of toxins. Of course that article was pushing the good
effects of strenuous exercise. Here in the jungle I don’t have to exercise at
all to sweat. I just need to sit in a chair, and sweat happens without any workout
at all. After my first week here I think my body must have rid itself of all
toxins. (I should be healthy now, right?).
The temperature the other day reached 95 in the old mission house with
humidity in the high 50s. Miserable.It’s a sure sign you’re hot when sweat drips
from behind your ear. Beads of perspiration seem to appear at the least effort
and moving just makes me hot.
Dale said, “Wow, I just don’t remember it being this hot
here.”
“I do,” I replied as I grabbed the hem of my skirt to wipe
the sweat off my face. There is something about extreme heat that makes you
lose all sense of propriety.
“We did arrive during the hottest season,” I said.
It’s afternoon, so I head to the bedroom to rest while it’s
quiet outside. I get the 4” diameter rechargeable battery-powered fan Dale
bought for me, turn it on full-blast, and point it straight at my face. I hold it there for several minutes.
Ah,that feels great. Now, if I could just use that all day,
I’d be fine.
“I haven’t seen your hair like that in a long time,” Dale
said later commenting on the new hair style I wore since
arriving at Yehebi. Pinned up and pulled
into a ponytail was the coolest way possible. This is not the place for glamour;
desperate conditions call for desperate hair styles.
The one relief from the steaminess of the jungle is the
tropical rainstorms. They can blow in with a fury by sending great gusts of wind
followed by a huge downpour. It’s a wonderful and welcomed relief from the
intense heat of the day. I sit in enjoyment as it refreshes my mind, body and
spirit. I love the sound of a rain storm pounding with force on the iron roof
and the gushing of water running down the gutters filling the tanks with fresh
water. Life-giving water that is so needed after the long drought here.
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| I'm very thankful for the newly installed water tank that is filled and overflowing | . |
At times life, too, puts us through intense and difficult
times. Days that we find difficult to get through. But God often sends us a
short spell of refreshment. It may be the encouragement of a friend, a timely
verse in Scripture, or another way God uses to help us. We hang on to those
times of refreshment as we continue through a tough time. Sometimes it’s just
getting through the day and learning to persevere.
All too soon the heat will begin again. But, I’m definitely
looking forward to the next tropical rain!
“…For He did good by
giving you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with
food and gladness.” (Acts 14: 17b ESV).
(C) 2016 Carin G. LeRoy
Yes and Amen!
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