Ethiopia
April 6, 2009
I just got back from Ethiopia with our videographer a few days ago visiting several of the wells we built. This was by far one of the most impactful trips I have ever taken, and I wanted to share a story with you.
As our truck made it across the mountainous terrain towards the village of "Mai Gundi", we heard a quiet rumble in the background. As we looked back, we were surprised to see what looked like 500 villagers stampeding down the hill towards us. Like something out of Braveheart. As they got closer we realized it was children of all ages who have been waiting for weeks for us to arrive. Many of them with hand made signs that they were holding in the air as if they were cheering for their favorite sports team. But these signs were different. Some professing, "Water is Life" others saying "To educate a woman is to educate a society". While another simply stated what was most important to him, "Water". Over 100 men and women, along with these 500 children from the local school celebrated, danced, and played musical instruments as they led us down the mountain to the water well. It is tradition for the elders of the village to give a speech to and welcome their guests. I will never forget what one 75 year old woman said to us.
"For all my life, I have walked for hours every day bringing home water for my family. Most of the time this water was not clean. I have seen my children and grandchildren get sick and die because of bad water. I have had to walk with a 40 lb clay jar on my back through rough terrain up and down mountains, which has caused my back to hunch over, but I had no other choice." We could tell the sincerity in her voice as she went on to say: "You have lifted the weight off of my back and you have given our children a future. I was not educated but now our kids have that chance."
After her speech the translator told me that he had a hard time translating what she was saying and he couldn't find the words to depict exactly how sincere and grateful she was. I promised to share her story with the people who helped give them water.
The people of Mai Gundi haven't had clean water for their entire lives but $4000 and 4 weeks later these 500 people can celebrate life in a whole new way.
- Jordan Wagner – Executive Director
