Ode to our Tree
We have had a least a few violent thunderstorms during our time here. They really are very scary even for someone who is not normally scared by storms. During the middle of the night this past Tuesday, we bolted awake as lightning hit what seemed like right beside our window. Poor Eric almost lost part of his face as I grabbed ahold of it. We lied awake for the next half hour thinking that the next bolt would hit the house. The following morning we unfortunately witnessed the real victim of the storm as we saw our lovely acacia tree completely uprooted. This was a very sad sight for someone that loves trees. We have exchanged good shade and beautiful scenery for a good view of the outdoor toilets. So while my sister posted a lovely picture on her blog of the view out of her kitchen window, our view is somewhat different.
posted by Team Smith @ 3:20 AM
10 comments
10 Comments:
I am so sorry to see the loss of this beautiful tree. It almost looks like you could tip it up and it might just go right on growing. Any chance? I'm glad you survived the storm and are not reporting any house damage. So, what will you plant in its place? Where do you get new trees?
Love
Mom B
As you think of replacements (does landlord get the pick or you?), remember that you've had a legume that fixes nitrogen -- so soil should be great for whatever (flowers?). Any idea how old this one was? Or how quickly they grow?
Sorry you've lost your screen...need a detractor on that site line.
Love,
AB
The solar was also knocked out on the house so that will definitely take some effort to get running again.
I don't know who will pick out the new tree. I don't know how old the tree was or how quickly they grow. The landlord thought that this tree should have been planted in better soil. There has been so much rain that our back yard is inundated with water. A bad side effect is that we have a billion mosquitos!
Anyway, there is no chance that it will be put back in place as it is now firewood. I thought the same thing about it just needing to be put back up but it was just too gigantic. The largest root was also completely destroyed. Oh why couldn't it have hit one of the little guavas on the right or left? Seedlings can be purchased although I don't know what the options are in Arua.
Not guavas because lightening hits the highest thing around which is why you make your body into a low ball with hands extended to ground it if you're ever caught outside in a lightening storm. Do you have access to Bacillus thuringensis? Some sub-species are used here in ponds (ie marshy areas) to kill mosquito larvae -- safe to use. Dodge those little buzzers, and good luck on the solar.
Love, AB
And now for a very un-Starbuck-like comment...
BUMMER, guys! Although the view beyond the outdoor toilets isn't so bad.
How's Eric's face? I can visualize your reaction so clearly, Mart!
Hi Eric & Martha,
We were sorry to hear about your tree and about Star. : ( Glad to know you and the house survived the storm. Hope all else is going well. Take care. We love you and miss you.
C & C
Yes, as Bobbi says, Bummer. You could paint the outhouse in tropical colors. Is it always so green there?
Jewels,
It is rainy season here so it is very green in our part of Uganda. The dry season will begin in late December and go through February. We have been told that it is dusty and miserably hot during that time. Can't wait :)
Remember our downed tree when we returned from furlough, Eric? How everyone wanted it cut up and forgotten except me? I loved the tweisted shape and the picture we had of the family scattered along it at Christmas time.
Oh, I remember those storms! Do you have a tin roof? They really reverberate in a way no one in this country can imagine, with all the insulation and strong ceilings and wood roofs. Dad never seemed to even wake up while I lay there rigid, listening for you guys and anything else under the roar of the storm.
And that sizzle/pop unlike anything else when it actually hits. Remember sitting in Dan and Chris' room watching the blue fireballs going down his lightning rod while Dad investigated the breaking glass? Be glad it was the tree and not the house - and get a fast growing tree planted to rise taller than your roof as soon as possible!
Really, I'm sorry about that particular tree, for it is beautiful as it lifts its lacy branches high to spread shade over creatures below, but I am very glad it didn't hit the house itself and you both are okay. How did the animals react, by the way?
Glad Star has recovered too. They have much to teach us about taking what we get and moving on, don't they?
Sorry I haven't been touch, but we just finished the Festival so maybe that will help excuse me a little. It didn't keep me from thinking about and loving you, though, and I send much love now.
mama a
Helloooooo Team Smith! We have been thinking alot about you lately and will add Star to our prayers for you. Sorry about the tree...thank the Lord that you both are okay. Our love and prayers with you through the Holidays. Miss you both! Dan & Linda
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