Erg Chebbi During the Rainy Season
Morocco 2006
The people of the desert had been praying for rain for years. Their small oasis was drying up. They would watch the rain clouds form and then drift toward Algeria to the east. I heard some remark that God would not give them rain because the villagers had displeased Him.
Then the rains came: heavy rains that no one in the village had ever seen before. Rivers formed between the huge sand dunes. The rush of water destroyed hotels and homes built of rammed earth. All had to flee to high ground.
Teams of men from the government came to assess the damage. They needed a place to eat and they chose my friend’s auberge. He felt honored to be chosen. Each day for about ten days he prepared a feast for twelve men. Payment from the government would arrive soon they promised.
“Soon.” What does that mean to someone from the government?