Carol Swisher – As I leave this beautiful Ethiopian country, I am so very humbled by the peoples’ joy and hosting benevolence of food at the opening of “their” well – at the 18 well opening ceremonies I attended, their happiness was contagious.  Sharing this joy has been my gift on this trip.  May God continue to bless Water to Thrive for this wonderful humanitarian act of love.

 

Rennie Scharlau – Since 2010 when I first visited Ethiopia, many changes have occurred which will help the people.  In addition to the many fresh, clean, potable water wells that Water to Thrive has provided, power lines are being erected, cell towers appear on the horizon, and major road construction is being undertaken with the supervision of the Chinese, and much intensive manual labor provided by the Ethiopians.  The gracious hospitality and thankfulness of the water well recipients and the joyous smiles of the children, continue to spur us on to improving their lives with clean, fresh water.  Praise the Lord.
 
Jim Sorensen – This trip has left me appreciative of the people of faith who accompany us.  Visiting the water projects and experiencing the Ethiopian peoples’ joy about having clean water seems to inspire the tour group.  I believe the Holy Spirit joins the two cultures in ways that leave the tourists needing to find ways to find resources to build even more wells.  Within the speeches given by the farm men and women at the project celebrations, is always, “Our neighbors also need clean water.”  We then go home ready to work with W2T to build more wells.
 
Beth Senne-Duff – Ethiopia is a land full of beauty.  It has a rich history and culture.  Everywhere I looked the land was in use.  People are farming and raising animals.  So many young children followed us, ran after our bus and asked us to buy something.  How will these children be able to provide for their children?  This is no more land to put into production.  At first it may seem hopeless, but it isn’t.  Building wells frees women and girls from long walks for water.  Women can better tend to their families, girls can go to school.  Clean water, hygiene training and sanitation improve health.  When these basics are provided, then more time and resources will go towards education.  With education, Ethiopians will harness their talents and create a new era in their history.
 
Nancy Teply – At every well site we visited, the people were so very grateful for clean water.  We were truly welcomed and blessed.  It amazed me to see how one well at a cost of $5,000.00 could so profoundly help a community.  I pray that if you’ve been reading this blog, you might find it in your heart to share some of your resources with Water to Thrive, so that they can continue the good work that I witnessed happening in Ethiopia.
 
Beverly Rosel – My first thoughts on my time in Ethiopia was with appreciation to be a part of the people who received water, clean water from the wells of which Water to Thrive provided. The people showed so much joy and appreciation.  They also shared so willingly, what little they had, such as food and drink. Their actions are exactly what Jesus expects of us.  And these grateful people made this come alive for me.
 

Bobbie Bateman – This trip was so much harder for me than last year. I think about how we as Americans take advantage of water and how easy it is for us to turn the faucet on each day! These Ethiopian women make the trip ever day for water. I wasn’t able to get to some of the wells and the ones I did were difficult for me and that’s without having to carry the water back! Then I think of the return trip with the heavy jerry can on their back! I am happy to be a part of Water 2 Thrive and all they do to help these women get clean water. They are such strong women! I hope to raise money to help Water 2 Thrive to continue their amazing work.

Carol Swisher – As I leave this beautiful Ethiopian country, I am so very humbled by the peoples’ joy and hosting benevolence of food at the opening of “their” well – at the 18 well opening ceremonies I attended, their happiness was contagious.  Sharing this joy has been my gift on this trip.  May God continue to bless Water to Thrive for this wonderful humanitarian act of love.

 

Rennie Scharlau – Since 2010 when I first visited Ethiopia, many changes have occurred which will help the people.  In addition to the many fresh, clean, potable water wells that Water to Thrive has provided, power lines are being erected, cell towers appear on the horizon, and major road construction is being undertaken with the supervision of the Chinese, and much intensive manual labor provided by the Ethiopians.  The gracious hospitality and thankfulness of the water well recipients and the joyous smiles of the children, continue to spur us on to improving their lives with clean, fresh water.  Praise the Lord.
 
Jim Sorensen – This trip has left me appreciative of the people of faith who accompany us.  Visiting the water projects and experiencing the Ethiopian peoples’ joy about having clean water seems to inspire the tour group.  I believe the Holy Spirit joins the two cultures in ways that leave the tourists needing to find ways to find resources to build even more wells.  Within the speeches given by the farm men and women at the project celebrations, is always, “Our neighbors also need clean water.”  We then go home ready to work with W2T to build more wells.
 
Beth Senne-Duff – Ethiopia is a land full of beauty.  It has a rich history and culture.  Everywhere I looked the land was in use.  People are farming and raising animals.  So many young children followed us, ran after our bus and asked us to buy something.  How will these children be able to provide for their children?  This is no more land to put into production.  At first it may seem hopeless, but it isn’t.  Building wells frees women and girls from long walks for water.  Women can better tend to their families, girls can go to school.  Clean water, hygiene training and sanitation improve health.  When these basics are provided, then more time and resources will go towards education.  With education, Ethiopians will harness their talents and create a new era in their history.
 
Nancy Teply – At every well site we visited, the people were so very grateful for clean water.  We were truly welcomed and blessed.  It amazed me to see how one well at a cost of $5,000.00 could so profoundly help a community.  I pray that if you’ve been reading this blog, you might find it in your heart to share some of your resources with Water to Thrive, so that they can continue the good work that I witnessed happening in Ethiopia.
 
Beverly Rosel – My first thoughts on my time in Ethiopia was with appreciation to be a part of the people who received water, clean water from the wells of which Water to Thrive provided. The people showed so much joy and appreciation.  They also shared so willingly, what little they had, such as food and drink. Their actions are exactly what Jesus expects of us.  And these grateful people made this come alive for me.
 

Bobbie Bateman – This trip was so much harder for me than last year. I think about how we as Americans take advantage of water and how easy it is for us to turn the faucet on each day! These Ethiopian women make the trip ever day for water. I wasn’t able to get to some of the wells and the ones I did were difficult for me and that’s without having to carry the water back! Then I think of the return trip with the heavy jerry can on their back! I am happy to be a part of Water 2 Thrive and all they do to help these women get clean water. They are such strong women! I hope to raise money to help Water 2 Thrive to continue their amazing work.