Torrential rains

We have been here for a week now. The first couple of days we did not have any rain and then there was just a little rain one afternoon, but nothing to write home about. Then yesterday and again today we've seen heavy rain around 4pm lasting for half an hour to one full hour. Before and during the rain there is a lot of thunder - haven't seen any lightning though. As I'm sitting here in the library, writing this, it's poring for the second time, clouds are dark and thunderous. Yesterday I went up to the roof to take pics for you, dear reader. It actually rained sideways, there was no place I could hide and me and my camera got pritty soaked. Oh bloody hell, there WAS a lightning strike just now right in front of the library. I almost peed my pants!

Today, me and Tom spent about two hours with Edna going over our special project, discussing possibilities. Edna tapped into her extensive network and hooked me up with the necessary people here in Hargeisa. I will get more specific as the project unfolds. Only this much: it involves a lot of picture taking and interviewing. I'm preparing the ground for the time when Frank, our TDF-Fotographer will arrive in Hargeisa later this month. He will do the professional picture taking himself. We will get to meet other NGO's, local ones, lead by women. We will meet strong women who have suffered greatly and despite their experiences have managed to become strong, powerful individuals who are leading successful lives. We will get to meet the two new female ministers! who are just settling in to their new jobs. Inshallah!

There's one thing I was told but could not imagine the extent of it: EVERYONE in this city knows Edna! Yesterday at the market, she tried to hide her face by covering it up almost completely. Guess what; walking through the narrow lanes of the crowded market, I heard it left and right: Edna is here, this is Edna, people shouting Edna Adan Welcome! Even though she tells me she never goes to the market and does not wear the local traditional cloths. She has her own style of clothing she wears. Then again, the woman has done so much for her country and her people, has occupied ministerial positions more than once in the newly formed Somaliland, has spoken on so many occasions - no wonder she's a national icon and will always be recognised!