WATER, WATER, EVERYWHERE!!
The photo of the women with their shy smiles is most poignant. Many years ago these women spoke to us about life in Sacala and told us that they were the ones in the community who were most in touch with the need for water. “It is the first thing we touch in the morning and the last thing we worry about at night. We are expected to get water (regardless of its availability) and are responsible to feed our families and look after the health of the community and keep our homes clean”. The smiles on the faces of those women tell a great story. They are so very very happy!
From the field…
The following is a translation of the e-mail we received from Obispo Rosales who, on behalf of our partner Horizons of Friendship, coordinated Sacala’s Water Project:
“I am delighted to inform you that the flow study that began at 2:00 PM on Tuesday Nov. 22, 2011 ended at 2 am Wednesday morning Nov. 23, 2011 with plenty of water—130 gallons per minute.
The community will soon be sending us written reports of their impressions. But what I can tell you already is that there was much celebration. It felt like the whole community was crammed into the drilling site. Everyone was excited and could not believe their eyes.
I am happy we chose the right path. We have had some tense moments and it has been a lot of work but the results are very rewarding.
Obispo Rosales
Jose Luis Alvarez, Horizon’s Mesomerican Program Advisor who has been working with Obispo and the community of Sacala responded:
“Thank you Obispo.
You should know that since we received this news, both Horizons and Oneness have been in solidarity celebrating with the community in Sacala. I think that the enormous joy that we are feeling is simply part of this ethical condition that all human beings possess which allows us to empathize with another person’s suffering as well as to rejoice in solidarity with their happiness.
It is here where we can find room for the possibility of development. Without this essential connection, all we do is a farce.
From today, the history of Sacala will take a drastic turn.
Again, thank you Obispo and your team. From now on, November 22 will be a historic day for Sacala. 12 Chicchan (KAAN), according to the Mayan calendar is loaded with energy and symbolizes the return of what was lost or forgotten. We welcome the hope that was lost, and has now returned to Sacalá.”
Jose Luis Alvarez