At 6 A.M., with the sun peering over the horizon, many team members may consider this time as their first snooze back in the states. Instead, they were all wide awake and eager to continue the work started from the previous day. Each member knew it was going to be another tough day, but they all understood that it was a small price to pay for delivering clean water to this important community.
Starting in the morning, the team split into two groups: one group handled the drilling of the well, while the other became the “volunteer teachers” of the day.
As a teacher, the team, consisting of Linley, Beth, Carrie, Elaine, Jan, and Tracy, taught the importance of personal hygiene and put on a play on how germs spread and how to get clean water out of the well. It was an important lesson for all the children, but fun at the same time. Overall, the team agreed that they’ve never felt so humbled from the focus and enthusiasm shown by the children in Santiago Nonualco.
The children participating in the lesson of the day.
Showing off his own masterpiece – the well providing water for him and his family.
Enjoying their free time with a quick game of football.
At the same time, the drilling team was also invigorated from the success of yesterday’s progress and the progress they were making in the morning. By noon, the team had drilled another 30 meters for a total of 51 meters. Everyone knew it wasn’t long before they would find water.
Schoolboys happily playing and watching the drill team work.
Homemade chow mein and tortillas for lunch.
After a long morning and a much needed lunch break, the team knew they could, and needed to, hit water today. They succeeded.
Putting the drill pipe back inside the PVC pipe while filling the hole with gravel.
The first signs of water in the form of thick, sludgy mud.
Mud spraying from the drilled hole.
The very first spout of clean water!
Children overjoyed at the sight of clean water.
Children celebrating clean water with Norma from Living Water International.
Schoolgirls posing for a picture with Allison from Living Water International.
Four villagers who dedicated their time and efforts to help.
Triumph team posing in front of their success to find clean water!
Looking back, the team understood the dedication and love they needed to put in to hit their goals. We are extremely proud of the hard work they are all putting in to make a lasting difference in the village of Santiago Nonualco.