Thursday, December 18, 2014 (from Washington D.C. Dulles Dec 19)

Before departing Northern Ethiopia today we visited two hand dug wells and I wondered if there might just by happenstance be some special moments.

The first was special effort – every step up this steep grade and care was needed dealing with loose gravel and rocks.  At one point I said – do you want to do this on your last day in Ethiopia –Ed?

Just before these ladies started filling their jerry cans the person who has the responsibility of the opening and closing times unlocked the handle. Opening times for this well is 7-9AM and 4-6PM and the well has only been open for a week.  We are at an elevation of over 6,000 feet.  The well depth is 12 meters or a bit over 36 ft.  That is one of the miracles of Ethiopia – the water table is quite close to ground level.   And our experience is that the water rarely needs to be treated.  It is tested.

When we asked where the previous source of water was we were shown this collection point and was told that as the dry season continues it would become more polluted.

Following some introductions and a few words from us this gentleman raised his hand to speak.  His message was clear and strong – I am very grateful for this well – I would rather go without food than be without this wonderful water.  Thank you so very much.  It is wonderful to represent the donor and to see and hear the gratitude. 

Then this woman spoke and did she speak with emotion.  Her message is we would invite folks we know from our neighboring village and prepare food and they would not eat it because the water we used came from the previous water source – they shunned us.  Now we can invite them and the applause from those in attendance was strong along with their special sounds. 

Our way back to the vehicle was led by Zamichael and it was much less difficult.  He is a 9th grade student and walks 2 hours each way to school.  A primary school is pictured behind Zamichael. 

Our final stop at this well serves 70 plus households or about 350 beneficiaries.  Again note the greens placed on the base and is done as a sign of hospitality for our coming.  So many humbling things done for us.  This well has slightly longer opening hours – 6-10AM and 3-6PM.

Children are always curious at our presence and these are either on their way to second shift or coming home from first shift.   

I am now on the plane heading for Washington, D.C. with a refueling stop in Rome.  Plan is to not get off the plane with ground time of about 1 hour. 

It is now the 25th day of our trip and the experiences have been many.  The absolute top consistent experience is the time at the well or spring protection system.  The joy and gratitude for water is heartwarming and no words describe it for me.  Water to Thrive has a mission of providing water in rural Africa by matching generous donors with receiving communities. 

Need a few days, however I am hopeful of summarizing this trip with some reflections and thoughts.   

-Ed Scharlau

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thursday, December 18, 2014 (from Washington D.C. Dulles Dec 19)

Before departing Northern Ethiopia today we visited two hand dug wells and I wondered if there might just by happenstance be some special moments.

The first was special effort – every step up this steep grade and care was needed dealing with loose gravel and rocks.  At one point I said – do you want to do this on your last day in Ethiopia –Ed?

Just before these ladies started filling their jerry cans the person who has the responsibility of the opening and closing times unlocked the handle. Opening times for this well is 7-9AM and 4-6PM and the well has only been open for a week.  We are at an elevation of over 6,000 feet.  The well depth is 12 meters or a bit over 36 ft.  That is one of the miracles of Ethiopia – the water table is quite close to ground level.   And our experience is that the water rarely needs to be treated.  It is tested.

When we asked where the previous source of water was we were shown this collection point and was told that as the dry season continues it would become more polluted.

Following some introductions and a few words from us this gentleman raised his hand to speak.  His message was clear and strong – I am very grateful for this well – I would rather go without food than be without this wonderful water.  Thank you so very much.  It is wonderful to represent the donor and to see and hear the gratitude. 

Then this woman spoke and did she speak with emotion.  Her message is we would invite folks we know from our neighboring village and prepare food and they would not eat it because the water we used came from the previous water source – they shunned us.  Now we can invite them and the applause from those in attendance was strong along with their special sounds. 

Our way back to the vehicle was led by Zamichael and it was much less difficult.  He is a 9th grade student and walks 2 hours each way to school.  A primary school is pictured behind Zamichael. 

Our final stop at this well serves 70 plus households or about 350 beneficiaries.  Again note the greens placed on the base and is done as a sign of hospitality for our coming.  So many humbling things done for us.  This well has slightly longer opening hours – 6-10AM and 3-6PM.

Children are always curious at our presence and these are either on their way to second shift or coming home from first shift.   

I am now on the plane heading for Washington, D.C. with a refueling stop in Rome.  Plan is to not get off the plane with ground time of about 1 hour. 

It is now the 25th day of our trip and the experiences have been many.  The absolute top consistent experience is the time at the well or spring protection system.  The joy and gratitude for water is heartwarming and no words describe it for me.  Water to Thrive has a mission of providing water in rural Africa by matching generous donors with receiving communities. 

Need a few days, however I am hopeful of summarizing this trip with some reflections and thoughts.   

-Ed Scharlau