Stories of Transformation

She had been pumping the well for what seemed like an eternity, though it had only been a couple of minutes.  Men, women, and children were gathered around the new pump…waiting.  As the minutes went by the anticipation was building, community members were exchanging nervous glances and children were giggling in the background.  And then, suddenly and for the first time, fresh clean and clear water began springing from the mouth of the well!  This little spot of land in the rural village of Adoshe was suddenly transformed into a place of life-giving significance.  Women began exuding “Lulululululu”, men began smiling and slapping backs, and voices and hands were raised in praise to God shouting “Hallelujah”!  The excitement and joy over the new well was tangible and could be felt and seen in the joyous smiling and dancing all around!

Excitedly pumping the new well

A proud and grateful community member

This is just one scene that I got to experience this past week as we’ve been completing new wells outside of Yirgalem!  This was the first time I had the opportunity to be at a site as a new well was first completed and used, and it was certainly an amazing experience.  We know that clean water is important for health and easing the burden of poverty, but we often overlook the way that clean water transforms people’s attitudes and hearts.  Clean water truly brings a renewed hope for the future in the communities that we serve!

Another community that we completed a new well in this week is Gane Goro.  Two weeks ago I spent a few days in Gane Goro while Solomon was steadily working on installing the new pump.  While we were working there were lots of children from the community around, especially fascinated and amused by the presence of a tall blonde “ferenji” (Amharic word for foreigner)!  Most of the children, though shy at first, warmed up to me and by the end of the day were giggling and playing with me.  However, there was one small boy in Gane Goro who last week never came around to me.  He was extremely shy, wouldn’t smile at me, and any time I got anywhere near him he took off running in the other direction!

That was last week.  This week I visited Gane Goro again to visit the community and check on the newly completed well.  Many of the community members were gathered around the well, collecting water, and washing their hands and faces in the clean water.  Around the new well there was again a sense of joy and excitement.  Among the children playing in the water was the shy boy from the week before.  However, he was no longer the shy boy I had met the week before.  He was transformed.  He was running all around splashing in the water, smiling and giggling, and even ran up to me and smiled at me and let me shake his hand!  I’ve experienced this in other villages also.  The presence of clean water brings a sense of exuberance and joy that washes away shyness, inhibition, and reservation.  Water transforms people.

A transformed little boy

An overjoyed community member

Exuberant children by their new well

There are numerous other stories from this past week that I could share with you, but the overarching narrative points my heart to the same message.  Clean water brings transformation not only to people but to entire communities.  God longs to tangibly bring hope to his children who are locked in poverty.  I’ve been blessed this past week to get to witness God’s work of redemption and transformation through clean water.  I’m here to serve and to learn and I am so thankful for what God is allowing me to be a part of!

If you would be interested in financially supporting the work of Water is Life and my life in Ethiopia please check out my fundraising page here.

 

Blessings,