Sand Storm Blowing In

Last night I witnessed my first sand/rain storm blowing in from the desert. It was an incredible phenomenom to watch!!

I was outside practicing my Fulfulde with my guard Ken, when I noticed the clouds. I asked him if it sand coming from the desert and he affirmed my guess. I ran for my camera as he ran through the yard appearing to prepare/hunker down. I was a bit curious - but of course, the 'newbie' had noooo idea what was coming!

I got a bit of it on video and pictures, but I missed recording the best part. As the sky turned orange, I noticed my guard turning on the outside security lights - again, I was thinking it was a bit early, but decided to follow suit with the light in the garage. I need to unlock the door to get this one on. By the time I got the key and left my patio it was beginning to look a bit like dusk. And by the time I left the garage for my house, I had to hold my t-shirt over my mouth and nose and close my eyes periodically for all the sand blowing around. It was black as midnight!!

And after that came the rain - a torrential downpour!! It rained most of the night!

I am hoping to get a better video next time this happens, though other missionaries who have been here three years say this is the first time they saw anything like this! My house help Rochelle says that the sand only comes this bad the first rain - or if does not rain again for another month, then it will be the same.

The video does not seem to upload, but I will keep trying!