One day last week, we were leaving the Puyupungo church and taking the children home. About 10 minutes into the ride, the children asked me if I’d stop at a nearby watering hole. (This pit is used for washing dishes and washing clothes). So, I said, “Sure, I’ll stop”. When I did, I saw a sight that just broke my heart into!!! All of the children got out of the truck and went to the watering hole and stooped down on their hands and knees just to get a drink of water!! They were sooo thirsty!! And the water was full of bugs and I know their little bellies just filled up with more parasites at that moment. I was nearly in tears as they lapped the water, quenching their thirst, but the smiles on their faces and their gratitude held them back for me.
We have no good drinking water source at any of our churches. Yes, there are rivers, which are chocked full of all kinds of parasites, and we have big containers that catch rainwater, but they’re only for bathroom use, as the water stagnates and also is filled with parasites. So when the children are thirsty, we’ll often give them sugar cane which is full of juices and helps, at least, to wet their parched throats somewhat. Here, there are no well drilling companies, there are no water filter systems. When it’s been available, we have on occasion brought 3 liter bottled waters to the churches to serve to the children afterwards.
So now, every time you go to your refrigerator to get a drink, I’m asking you to remember our children here….and you might even ask yourself, “Am I really thirsty???” Be thankful for your many blessings!
