We’ve had a bit more rain recently, but with the rain comes beautiful rainbows!  One of nature’s most spectacular shows, in my opinion.  We always are delighted to see them, and they usually appear before the rain, so that when we spot one we know to run under cover!

Rain is a blessing here.  We need to look at it this way, since there is so much of it here in the rainforest!  When it becomes overwhelming as the torrential downpours abound, we cozy up inside and try to make the best of it!  Luckily it never gets too cold here, and we can always put on our rain gear and head outside anyway…

We really become one with nature, watching the signs and planning accordingly.  I like to watch the rain clouds moving closer, and then I listen as the rain starts pounding across the land.  This is when I run to beat the rain, and sometimes I win!  Cloudy days bring a sense of calm, but when the sun returns we are delighted to run outside and bask in it.  I try to find ways to appreciate the rain, since it can be so intense at times.  When the rain is pounding on the roof at night, it is hard to get a good night’s sleep!  And when the river starts running nearby, the intensity of the water is so strong.

But this water, this rain, is really important.  It brings such abundant life to this area, and is shared with the whole island of Maui.  The East side of Maui, where we live, provides water to the West side of Maui where all the hotels and golf courses are.  At present, they are diverting a huge portion of the water from this side to give water to these indulgent enterprises.  The rivers don’t run like they used to, and this is effecting the ecosystem here adversely.  There are campaigns fighting to regain the water rights for this side of the island.  I’m hopeful that we will become more conscious of the long term effects that these choices will have on the environment.

Rain.  We have it in abundance, and we’re learning to love it!