WorldWide Drilling Resource

by Tim Rasmussen I just returned from a quick trip to Guatemala. I needed to try and pave the way for the importation of the Mayhew drill rig with the Guatemalan equivalent of the Internal Revenue Service. There, it is called SAT. SAT has certified representatives throughout Guatemala. They are accountants and have special authority from SAT to guide and advise. Because we are a nonprofit corporation in Guatemala and own vehicles and import vehicles and heavy machinery, there is more and more scrutiny of our activities. We had questions about what we can do and how we do it. The meeting was with Mr. Barriantos, Berny Leonardo, and Henry Lazaro. (Henry is president of our Guatemala Corporation, Agua para La Vida.) The meeting went very well. Mr. Barriantos answered my questions and said so far as SAT was concerned, all was well, and he could see no obstacles to the import process. He said he would assist Henry and Berny in our new bank accounts and the accounting processes we are required to complete monthly. I had a meeting with Dr. Mendez. He is the executive director of the local Ministry of Health. He is very happy to have Water For Life working in the area and to receive the donated medical equipment we send every year. He can see the difference in the health of the vil- lagers who have access to clean water. He has three villages which are in special need of wells. I asked him to prioritize them and we would try and do them all. He was very warm and cordial. I also met with eight men from Sayaxché. This is an area about 3.5 hours away from our shop. They want us to come and drill in seven villages in their area. They are very supportive of our drilling crew and efforts to help them, and were very happy with the prospect we will come to help this coming season. I told them to begin preparations by gathering materials and making sure they were ready. I told them we would send someone, probably Gary Bartholomew, to be sure all preparations are in place before we send a team there. They went home pleased. I also went to several villages to check on the wells. One, the village of Santa Cruz, is several miles off the road. It is in a lovely valley and one of my favorite village locations. The folks there speak Q’eqchi’ (pronounced katchi). This is an ancient Mayan language. It is not Spanish, and most of them do not understand Spanish. The people are fiercely independent. They welcome our efforts to help them, but the children are very shy and it was hard for me to get a picture of the children using the well. I do not think they see many tall white folks. The children smile, but turn their back when I try to get a photo. I did not have any treats with me to charm them. I also meant to say it was HOT. I have usually been there in the drilling season in January through April, and it can be hot at that time of year, but not as hot as this. There was no escape. The humidity was just as high as the temperature. Sitting in front of a fan was a little like a con- vection oven. I have never been as glad for a trip to end and to get back to the cool weather coming with winter here in Spokane, Washington. If you would like to help, contact Gary Bartholomew at 509-466-5075 or 509-939-1941 Tim Tim Rasmussen may be contacted via e-mail to michele@worldwidedrillingresource.com February 21 - 22, 2019 J.W. Marriott Grand Rapids, MI For more information, call: (855) 225-6492 or visit us online: michigangroundwater.com 2019 MGWA Annual Conference/Fundamentals Some of our Highlights • Combined Beginners, Advanced, and MGWA Education tracks. • 2018 NGWREF McEllhiney Lecturer. • Tabletop exhibits; visit with the vendors. • Annual meeting will be first thing Friday morning. • Lunch will be provided both days. • Banquet and awards. Come and see who receives Driller of the Year award! 60 DECEMBER 2018 WorldWide Drilling Resource ® WTR