de la lluvia al diluvio

The rain fell so hard yesterday afternoon that I had to use a microphone in theology class in order to be heard over the sound of the water hitting the tin roof. We got into a heated discussion about the humanity/divinity of Christ...a well-amplified discussion thanks to the speaker system. As we were concluding the class, Rolando left to check the front door and confirmed that we had been flooded in to the church complex. The patio was completely filled with water and the front street looked more like a river. Everyone quickly placed all the furniture, the sound system, our bags, etc. onto the raised platform and just in time as muddy water came spilling in the front door and into the sanctuary. Maribel and her family returned home. Refrigerators were lifted on to tables, potted plants placed on benches. The water was cold and dirty but everyone rolled their pants up to their knees and got in. There was no other option.
A crazy first-time adventure for me...but it happens all the time here during the rainy season. All of Zone 2 in Xela floods, people lose furniture and household goods, and the city still does not respond with improved drainage systems. Pastor Moises announced in church this morning that he wrote an editorial to the local paper last night, hoping to provoke some action from the local government.
I still preached this morning. By 11 p.m. last night a group of deacons and families from the church had cleaned the entire church and patio. I think the bacteria in the water cured my pulga bites too. Last night was my first itch-free night. I preached on 2 Timothy 1:1-14, focusing on verse 7 which was quoted to me throughout my childhood. There is a spirit of love and of power in this church.
I am exhausted and looking forward to the Sunday paper and a nap. Between flea bites, floods, and lesson plans I didn´t sleep very well this week.
The photos are of the flooding and one from this morning´s service during refreshment hour. Hermana Loyda (far left) was the liturgist today and is a faithful friend to me and many others. The sun was intensely hot this morning but now it looks like it might rain again. I´m building a boat...no pulgas allowed.