Thursday, December 11, 2014

Our day started leaving the hotel and 7:30AM and off to completed projects. Travel was about 40 miles of blacktop and 20 miles of various quality of gravel not counting the off road travel.  Distance is increased because there is no suitable housing closer to these water points (spring protection and hand dug wells).   I also experienced many emotions today – why am I here (answered at each water point as many expressions of thanks, song, dance and smiles) – elevation (between 10 and 11,000 feet above sea level) – emotion (at each site a personal connection) and so much more. 

Yes our walk of about 2 miles went through this beautiful grain field.

Misgne and Chmde have just filled their jerry cans and Chmde is ready to head to their homes.  They expressed their gratitude in words and these great smiles.  A problem in this area before the spring is protected is leeches along with parasites. 

Yes, yours truly on Bula with the owner Abera.  I walked in the 2 miles however must say I was very grateful for the ride out and the horse has four sure feet vs my two that are questionable.  We crossed ravines, lots or cattle paths, rocky areas and all sorts of hazards. 

A couple of stops later we were met by this group singing and dancing.  Loosely translated – we are grateful for the water.  This went on for about ½ mile.  I know what we do in matching generous donors with receiving communities is important.

This spring protection system has a large water committee as it serves nearly 1,000, a stand up clothes wash platform and has a cattle tough. Additional water goes to water crops.  The committee expressed so much appreciation.   This was an emotional stop for me and it is funded by a college classmate of Rennie and me in memory of her husband.  

Lifting up this hand dug well sign as it is funded by a small church (about 75 members) and if my memory is functionally at all it is there 7th well.  The sign damage happened in transportation. 

Finally – center is Bikila Abeya of Central Gibe Synod – Mekane Yesus – DASSC and our host here along with two officials of the government water district.  They are working in collaboration with Mekane Yesus – DASSC. 

Over and over today – appreciation and more.  Every water point the message of being so grateful for disease free water to allow children to go to school and so much less time collecting water.  Words fall so short and hearts are full.  God is good.  

-Ed Scharlau


 

 

 

 

Thursday, December 11, 2014

Our day started leaving the hotel and 7:30AM and off to completed projects. Travel was about 40 miles of blacktop and 20 miles of various quality of gravel not counting the off road travel.  Distance is increased because there is no suitable housing closer to these water points (spring protection and hand dug wells).   I also experienced many emotions today – why am I here (answered at each water point as many expressions of thanks, song, dance and smiles) – elevation (between 10 and 11,000 feet above sea level) – emotion (at each site a personal connection) and so much more. 

Yes our walk of about 2 miles went through this beautiful grain field.

Misgne and Chmde have just filled their jerry cans and Chmde is ready to head to their homes.  They expressed their gratitude in words and these great smiles.  A problem in this area before the spring is protected is leeches along with parasites. 

Yes, yours truly on Bula with the owner Abera.  I walked in the 2 miles however must say I was very grateful for the ride out and the horse has four sure feet vs my two that are questionable.  We crossed ravines, lots or cattle paths, rocky areas and all sorts of hazards. 

A couple of stops later we were met by this group singing and dancing.  Loosely translated – we are grateful for the water.  This went on for about ½ mile.  I know what we do in matching generous donors with receiving communities is important.

This spring protection system has a large water committee as it serves nearly 1,000, a stand up clothes wash platform and has a cattle tough. Additional water goes to water crops.  The committee expressed so much appreciation.   This was an emotional stop for me and it is funded by a college classmate of Rennie and me in memory of her husband.  

Lifting up this hand dug well sign as it is funded by a small church (about 75 members) and if my memory is functionally at all it is there 7th well.  The sign damage happened in transportation. 

Finally – center is Bikila Abeya of Central Gibe Synod – Mekane Yesus – DASSC and our host here along with two officials of the government water district.  They are working in collaboration with Mekane Yesus – DASSC. 

Over and over today – appreciation and more.  Every water point the message of being so grateful for disease free water to allow children to go to school and so much less time collecting water.  Words fall so short and hearts are full.  God is good.  

-Ed Scharlau