Back in early March, we learned that we would have to extend our stay in the States unexpectedly. At the time, the only thing I could think of, was, "But, we'll miss the spring of Kurdistan!"
Let me tell you, when you live in a land where the desert isn't too far away, you really count your blessings when the spring rains fall.
This land erupts into stunning beauty for a couple of months each year, then is plunged again into the browns and yellows that generally characterize one's view of Iraq.
So, learning that we'd have to return just has the green hills were fading of their color was not what I wanted to hear.
Fortunately, spring had a different story this year as weather around the world went, well just plain screwy. It rained, and it rained, and it rained.
It rained so hard this year that new springs and waterfalls sprung up, rivers that had lain dry for years flowed again with living water. It was amazing.
Two years ago, I remember the grass whithering and dying by early May, but this year was different.
When we finally got back to Kurdistan on May 3rd, the grass was still green and the hills were still drapped in their full colors. But, surely, it won't last long we thought.
And now, we're into the beginning of June and the rains have not abated, nor has the brilliant green on the mountain tops. It's been a strange year, weather-wise, for the whole world, and Kurdistan was not left out either.
I'm so thankful for nature. The year can be long, hot, and hard in Northern Iraq without being able to enjoy the colors of spring, so God just extended the season a bit for us this time. It's been such a blessing.
Here are a few pics of our region and a hiking trip that I went on with my nephew, Jake, and his friend Kevin. Enjoy
Below ... this pic was taken as a hailstorm was plowing across our valley.
then, a few days later a dust storm...
can you believe the difference? And we're at 2,300 feet above sea level -- we're not supposed to get dust storms at this altitude are we?
Then, we went on a hike on a mountain called Bradost -
From hailstorms to duststorms to mountain highs and valley lows, we love living here in Kurdistan! Thank you, Lord, for the rain.
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