"Now that I’m back in the States it strikes me what a difference Water to Thrive is making. If you consider that W2T has built over 500 wells,

and that one well serves at least 400 people, that means 200,000 people now have access to clean water, who didn’t have it before. Dick

Moeller envisions reaching 2500 wells in the next few years. If they reach that goal, and I believe they will, they will have provided fresh

drinking water for over 1 million people, not to mention the chain reaction of health and social benefits that come from that. Clean water

means children live, parents live, life-threatening diseases plummet and people thrive. It’s hard to imagine any better way to make a

sustainable, long-lasting difference in the world."

 

 

-Michael Rinehart, bishop

 
 

"It sounds so cliché to say the trip was life changing, but it was.  I knew I’d fall in love with Ethiopia, but it was shocked how hard it hit me.  On the fourth day, I got emotional thinking about leaving…I didn’t want to!  Ethiopians treat you like family.  The country is beautiful.  Poor and beautiful.  It confused me.  I struggled with the thought that Ethiopia would never come out of extreme poverty.  People would never have an iPad and an iPhone and a laptop and a work laptop….and why do we complain about medical care?  At least we can drive to a clinic (with water) if we are sick!  But maybe Ethiopia does not need "to come out of it."  Everyone is happy.  Ethiopia does need clean water; everyone should have clean water.  Water to Thrive is definitely making a difference for generations by providing this."

 

-Lizzie Kovach, Marketing and Outreach Manager: W2T

  

            "I am always amazed at Dick Moeller’s acumen and critical eye as we inspect the well sites. His compassion for the women who carry the water for their households is commendable.

            Lizzie Kovach was visiting Ethiopia for the first time. She showed a great ability to interview the women on the water committees, and always strove to assure the importance of maintaining good working wells. Her ability to engage the children in some kind of activity was fun and constructive. Lizzie’s work with W2T will be enhanced after this experience.

            It was so good to have John Tatum along on the trip. John’s engineering skills and gentle, yet firm manner in assessing the well sites was a satisfying addition to our group. And, it also helped that he’s in excellent shape to handle the long and treacherous walks to the well sites.

            Alan and Pat Boozikee were with us on some of the trip. They took a special trip south to witness the lives of tribes there. It was very special, however, that they were able to be present at the very well they funded. They even got to dance with the community persons that well will serve. It was an experience that I wish all donors could have.

            Bishop Mike Rinehart was an excellent addition to our group. His humor and spiritual leadership made the long rides fun and exciting. He was able to engage all ages of persons at the well sites.

            When struggling on these long walks to the well sites (I stayed by the car on the really long and steep ones!) I have to be reminded that the community members lugged all the materials and equipment down those same paths.

            Diversity Tours, once again, had planned the trip well. Their drivers and guide were a great help to us as we made the visits. In all, we visited sites in at least four regions—each speaking a different language.

            I am forever grateful for W2T and its mission to bring safe water to thousands of Africans.”

 

– Jim Sorenson, board member

  

 

 

 

 

We love getting to take staff and friends on our trips with us! If you’re interested in traveling with us, email team@watertothrive.org for details.

"Now that I’m back in the States it strikes me what a difference Water to Thrive is making. If you consider that W2T has built over 500 wells,

and that one well serves at least 400 people, that means 200,000 people now have access to clean water, who didn’t have it before. Dick

Moeller envisions reaching 2500 wells in the next few years. If they reach that goal, and I believe they will, they will have provided fresh

drinking water for over 1 million people, not to mention the chain reaction of health and social benefits that come from that. Clean water

means children live, parents live, life-threatening diseases plummet and people thrive. It’s hard to imagine any better way to make a

sustainable, long-lasting difference in the world."

 

 

-Michael Rinehart, bishop

 
 

"It sounds so cliché to say the trip was life changing, but it was.  I knew I’d fall in love with Ethiopia, but it was shocked how hard it hit me.  On the fourth day, I got emotional thinking about leaving…I didn’t want to!  Ethiopians treat you like family.  The country is beautiful.  Poor and beautiful.  It confused me.  I struggled with the thought that Ethiopia would never come out of extreme poverty.  People would never have an iPad and an iPhone and a laptop and a work laptop….and why do we complain about medical care?  At least we can drive to a clinic (with water) if we are sick!  But maybe Ethiopia does not need "to come out of it."  Everyone is happy.  Ethiopia does need clean water; everyone should have clean water.  Water to Thrive is definitely making a difference for generations by providing this."

 

-Lizzie Kovach, Marketing and Outreach Manager: W2T

  

            "I am always amazed at Dick Moeller’s acumen and critical eye as we inspect the well sites. His compassion for the women who carry the water for their households is commendable.

            Lizzie Kovach was visiting Ethiopia for the first time. She showed a great ability to interview the women on the water committees, and always strove to assure the importance of maintaining good working wells. Her ability to engage the children in some kind of activity was fun and constructive. Lizzie’s work with W2T will be enhanced after this experience.

            It was so good to have John Tatum along on the trip. John’s engineering skills and gentle, yet firm manner in assessing the well sites was a satisfying addition to our group. And, it also helped that he’s in excellent shape to handle the long and treacherous walks to the well sites.

            Alan and Pat Boozikee were with us on some of the trip. They took a special trip south to witness the lives of tribes there. It was very special, however, that they were able to be present at the very well they funded. They even got to dance with the community persons that well will serve. It was an experience that I wish all donors could have.

            Bishop Mike Rinehart was an excellent addition to our group. His humor and spiritual leadership made the long rides fun and exciting. He was able to engage all ages of persons at the well sites.

            When struggling on these long walks to the well sites (I stayed by the car on the really long and steep ones!) I have to be reminded that the community members lugged all the materials and equipment down those same paths.

            Diversity Tours, once again, had planned the trip well. Their drivers and guide were a great help to us as we made the visits. In all, we visited sites in at least four regions—each speaking a different language.

            I am forever grateful for W2T and its mission to bring safe water to thousands of Africans.”

 

– Jim Sorenson, board member

  

 

 

 

 

We love getting to take staff and friends on our trips with us! If you’re interested in traveling with us, email team@watertothrive.org for details.