Rainman

Yesterday was a light rain, the first in about 125 days! What a dry spell. The danger of fire is real. Many national parks, pastures, fields and even backyard were burned. This light rain yesterday afternoon was providential. Some years ago I heard that rains can be expected between three to five days after a full moon, for which reason, I don’t know. Based on that saying and reading the barometer in the morning after breakfast that indicated a significance increase of moisture in the air – going from 12% to 40% and the air pressure falling, I began to assure persons that it will rain today or tomorrow. And lo and behold, it rained. So I became a welcomed prophet! The setting was a Marriage Encounter in Mineiros. I arrived in Mineiros Friday afternoon and the Encounter began that evening. There were 28 couples making the Encounter and another 70 helping with different activities for the three days. The kitchen crews of about eight couples had finished their duties, and were awaiting the conclusion of the Encounter before returning to their homes. One man said it would be nice to have some ice cream at his moment. Who can donate a dollar? In a jiffy $10 was collected and someone sent to purchase the goods. And as we appreciated the ice cream – I and the eight couple, and in the meantime a two other priests arrived on the scene – the gentle rain began! I spent today here in Mineiros, and plan to take the bus back to Goiania where I live – about a seven hour ride.