Monique and the Mango Rains: Two Years with a Midwife in Mali

The mango rains symbolize the lifeblood of the people of Nampossela. Without these brief, torrential rains, the ground will not become saturated enough to seed. Without crops, the village will starve. Too much rain has the opposite effect and drowns the crops. As such, the mango rains are considered the perfect rain necessary for the village to survive.

The mango rains also symbolize Monique’s love and sacrifice. Her sister Angele tells Holloway that the mango rains fell after Monique’s death, symbolizing the care and education she spread throughout the village of Nampossela, which many people, including Angele, will continue to spread 

The mud bricks used to repair the birthing house symbolize what a community can achieve when it works together. The updates to the birthing house are Holloway’s idea, and she and John secure the funding for the project. However, they are frustrated by the men of the village who refuse to do the work without compensation.

The day the work begins, light rains fall, and Holloway fears no one will show up to work. However, the men appear ready to work, declaring that wet mud bricks are best for building a foundation. The mud bricks symbolize the community coming together to create a building that will preserve future generations.