Center for disabled children

On Thursday, we visited at center for disabled children that is run by Catholic Nuns.  It was a very moving experience to see what tough conditions they are required to operate under.  Several of the children had cerebal palsy and others mentally challenged.  They were thrilled to see us and we had a really nice visit with them.  After our visit, we bought a 50kg bag of rice and juice and delivered back to the center.  They were so appreciative of the donation. 

Beautiful Location

Thought I would share a few pictures of the beautiful island we have been on. It is beyond words to explain God's creation.

Visited existing wells in Labaun Bajo

We had been asked to visit some existing wells in the town that currently were not functioning because the pumps were broken.  We looked at the possibility of fixing those wells.  It does look like we could easily come in and drop the Water4 pumps into the existing wells and allow them to pump water manually.  They have about 8 wells that are not working right now.  So, we may have an easy solution for them.

Pictures from the first village

When we arrived in Labaun Bajo, we visited the village called Nanga Nae about 30 minutes outside of town where the water source was a small river running by the village.  We tested the water and found it to have arsenic and large amount of bacteria.  This is the place where they washed their clothes, bathed and drank the water.  This will be the site of our first well we will drill on the island. 

Indonesia Update

It has been an amazing week.  We have been running so hard that I've not had the energy to post so wanted to do that now since we have returned to Bali for one night and will head to Jakarta this evening (Saturday) for a couple of days before coming home.

Since my last post, we accomplished much.  Events changed some but we still were able to determine many opportunities for us to serve the water needs of the island.  On Wednesday, we traveled 2 1/2 hours up in to the mountains of Flores to a very remote village that was in real need of water.  They currently have to walk down a very steep high about 100 feet, which is about half way down to the river bed.  There is a cistern there where a small spring comes out but the water flow is very slow.  But this is where over a 1000 people come to get water, twice a day.  It was unbelieveable!!  The village was not expecting us and had no idea why we were there.  But, they came for everywhere and greeted us like best friends.  I have never been received more graciously than I did in this village.  They have a complicated situation and we don't know that the Water4 technique will work but we do think we will be able to find help for their need.  The trip up the mountain was on very narrow, twisted road but absolutely one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen.  Below is a group picture with some of the villagers.  Awesome experience.



4TH OF JULY

For the 2nd time in two years, I'm celebrating our independence day in another country.  Last year, I was in Kenya.  Today, we are in the city of Flores on the Indonesian Island of Lubuan Bajo which is part of the Komodo group of Islands.  We are actually looking at drilling projects here in the Flores area.  Yesterday was one of those really special days as we went out to a village just outside of Flores and saw first hand what water source the people are forced to use.  This village is a Muslim village and the people were so friendly.  The villagers water source is a small river that flows through the village and the people come to the river and bath, wash their clothes, and drink the water from the same source.  The animals come to drink from the river but also mess in the water.  Can you even comprehend that in your life?  We were so emotionally moved by their living conditions.  We did have an opportunity to visit their mosque there in the village and visit with a couple of the local Muslim leadership.  They were extremely gracious to us.

We also visited an existing well that has problems that we think we could easily resolve.  Today, we are traveling to at least 7 other well sites.  The Mayor of Flores has a representative working closely with us and taking us to the sites.  Tonight, we will meet the Mayor and enjoy dinner in the home of the brother of the Indonesian Ambassador to Peru. 

Continue to pray for us as we seek to do the work God has called us to do.

Check back on Friday for pictures of the week.