The Dry Season

     As you already know, here in the Amazon we do NOT have cold, snowy or icy winters.  Basically we have two seasons: rainy season and dry season.  When I arrived here in Parintins in May the water in the Amazon River (and thus water in all surrounding areas) was nice and high.  Now, as we are at the end of the dry season (actually, the rain seems to be coming late this year) the river and water in all those same areas is low.
     Here's an interesting fact: water in the Amazon River rises between 30 and 40 feet every rainy season!!!!!
     During the rainy season, parts of Parintins flood and so they have to put up wooden bridges in the streets in order for people to get around.
     Come on rain!  We're eagerly awaiting your arrival! And for its survival, the rain forest needs you to come soon!  God, please, hear our prayer!

Here is the port of Parintins on the Amazon River.  The top picture was taken in September, the bottom one was taken this afternoon.

This is one of the community chapels in our parish - St. Mary's.

One of the streets in Parintins leading to one of our community chapels.  During the rainy season I have to park at the end and walk on the wooden bridge to our chapel!  The city government puts up these wooden bridges all over the city during the rainy season.

Behind the house of one of our parishioners...

At the Diocesan meeting center, you can see how much the water drops during the dry season.  These boats can't even navigate the water during the dry season because it is so low.