Carrying water for blocks, even miles, is just a way of life around here. Everyday when you drive the roads, you will see children probably as young as two to adults of all ages carrying water jugs. They are walking to a local spring that provides water for that area. You will also often see people with several water jugs strapped onto bikes. You notice it most when they are straining, walking, and pushing the bike up a hill. Most of us have no idea what it is like to not have indoor plumbing or facets with easy access to water. For us in American, life just comes easy, things are in abundance, and we have all we need. Lately with changing houses and thinking about, even for in Rwanda, how blesses I am, I have been trying to place myself in the shoes of the typical Rwandan who does not have a car, works for little pay, has no indoor plumbing or water, only has a few sets of clothes, lives on less then $2 a day, etc. It is hard to imagine because I think my mind has been clouded with so much that it is hard to imagine having so little. Even for me, I see having to walk to get water as an inconvience more then just a way of life. I think it is a complete mentality shift that is hard to envision, to imagine until you really are living simply without all the luxuries of the world/ America. I think one of the most beautiful projects going on in much of Africa right now is well digging. I have run into several people, specifically those working for Living Water, whose sole purpose in Africa is to dig wells and provide clean water for those who do not have it. I have been researching websites of those who are digging wells in Africa and would like to share them with you. In American, we have no idea what it is like to not have clean water or to have water that is fished out of a puddle. Without local springs and a willingness to walk to get it the only other resort for people is puddles or any other place that might just contain water. There is a great need to pay for and to build wells. I am just so thankful for those companies, organizations, and projects who are taking it upon themselves to make this "need" of fresh water a reality. Here are some websites: 1) Living Water- http://www.water.cc/main.aspx 2) Blood Water Mission- http://www.bloodwatermission.com/ 3) Charity Water- http://www.charityis.org/current/
2 comments:
yeah - how cool was that charity:water piece on current! I'm glad you were able to find that one too. Seems like you are really able to keep up w/ stuff well over there. Thanks for everything you are doing!
Brody
I just read your May 13th entry. How blessed I am. When I turn on my water faucet or use my bathroom I will think of you and the people in Rwanda and say thank you God for my many blessings. As a child I had to go outside to a pump and fill pans of water to bring into the house. I have lived without indoor plumbing as a child. (up till I was seven years old) Our house had no bathroom per say. I bathed by the wood stove in the corner of the ketchen. I am glad for these inconvenience in my life because they have made me a better person. God does open our eyes.
I love you and send you hugs.
Mommom
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