WorldWide Drilling Resource

43 WorldWide Drilling Resource ® AUGUST 2014 Water for Life International by Jon Hansen & Tim Rasmussen Hello, We are thinking English once again as we are back home and will probably be trying to reply in limited Spanish for a while. Because we had such poor internet connections where we were staying, I was not able to get out often or very successfully. So I thought I might bring up some highlights of our trip and send some pictures. I found I was able to get out on Facebook more often, so those on Facebook may already be aware of our adventures. There were minimal equipment problems and all seemed to go well (pun intended). In addition to drilling activities, WFL (Water for Life) has a pump crew installing new pumping systems, performing test pumps, and doing repairs and maintenance on the old ones. We had two geologists there working on logging, compiling, and mapping the wells drilled for future use... not to mention ladies who wash, clean, cook, communicate with people in var- ious ways, and keep the men straight. It’s a busy time with something going on six days a week from dawn to dusk. The above picture is from theAhikam Children’s Home (check Facebook) in Machaquila. This is a home for abused and unwanted kids, 6 months to 17 years old. They are sponsored by church groups and individuals. They receive no gov- ernment support even though they have children designated to them by the courts. Sometimes they survive on a day-by-day basis. A Guatemalan couple, Luis and Cony are mother and father to the kids (40 plus). Three of the drill helpers be- came aware of their lack of water situ- ation and decided they needed their own well and pumping system. With the help of WFL and many others within the com- munity, this well was drilled and a pump system was installed. They now can wash clothes, dishes, keep the facilities cleaner, and flush toilets, plus they have a clean source for drinking water. The gratitude shown by Luis and Cony and the children, the knowledge they have good water, is payment enough for all involved. The second photo is from the con- vent at Delores. Here, the “Daughters of Charity” operate a facility for young children with serious health problems (presently about 22 babies). This could be malnutrition or a birth defect; regard- less, the kids are in distress of some sort. The sisters, plus many others includ- ing volunteers, nurse, feed, and love the children until they show some signs of recovery. Because drilling a well in Guatemala can be extremely expensive, they rely on water from the city of Delores. Because of the typical lack of infra- structure and upkeep, water can be very tentative. The convent may get water only one day every two weeks. I noticed their water supply line from the city was ½-inch PVC. The new well is now pro- viding them with a daily source of clean water. I also noticed the water was cooler than a lot of Guatemalan water, which can get up to 80ºF (26ºC) (maybe more). The photo is Mother Superior Geraldina, our gracious host, and two of the convent maintenance guys, Alex and Santos. This photo is of Chris and me wi th the Lopez family from San Juan. Last year, Erica and I drilled a wel l on thei r property. Edgar and his lovely wife Beatriz honored us with a Sunday picnic this year. They too still remain appre- ciative of the water supply they have. Edgar relayed that because of religious discrimination shown to his family, he was denied access to local clean water supplies and previously drew water from the river. Now he enjoys water from a well and allows those with a need to fill up their tanks also. Truly, salt of the earth people, Chris and I have come to love the whole Lopez family! There are many other stories we could tell if we had more time and space. I would like to say whatever we do in Guatemala, it’s not about us, me, or I, it’s not a race or game, it can’t be done by any one of us alone, it’s about us as a team, working together. I noticed most of the volunteers this year reaching further into their own pockets to help in situations with money, material, food, and extra hours of work. In the end, it’s all about God (capital “G”) all we do, whether you believe or not, is because of Him. If you know of another way it could all come together so perfectly, I would like to know. We’re home!!! The grass is green and growing and I can’t find my machete. If you would like to help, please contact Gary Bartholomew at 509-466-5075 or 509-939-1941 Tim admin@ worldwidedrillingresource.com