August 15 ... feast of the Assumption ... the weirdest thing happened. A tremendous rainstorm struck the central high country .... torrents and waves unseen in 150 years. Right in the middle of August .... midsummer.
On one hand it helped cool the stifling heatwave hitting the region, on the other hand it helped a little in water rationing as we're in a drought year. Still it was an unexpected surprise. Even forecasters were caught off guard.
Processions for the feast day in and around the Tomb of Mary in the Kidron Valley were disrupted by the storm. The rain also washed down Bethlehem .... clearing the dry dusty air.
Despite the suddenness and inconveniences of the storm, everyone was happy. A midsummer night's dream of sorts. We prayed for rain all winter ... and we got it in midsummer.
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| Flood in the Kidron Valley (photo from internet - Global Times) |
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