Radio Interview with WTRU out of Virginia

Dear friends,
I was interviewed last week by a radio station out of Virginia- WTRU.  Robby Dilmore, the radio host asked me about my experiences with Water Missions. On the next screen, push the diamond on the player to 13:07 to hear my portion of the program.  I am excited that I didn't embarrass myself too much, being my first radio interview.  I am thrilled that WMI's message is getting out to listeners in Virginia, upstate North Carolina and South Carolina.  Thanks for your support! julie

Siloam home

Water Missions International restores hope in Haiti

     People living in third world countries struggle daily for drinkable water.  Most settle for unsafe water, which causes many illnesses, including cholera.  These diseases can cause death if untreated.  Water Missions International, or WMI, our homegrown nonprofit that we Charlestonians love to support, works hard to bring safe water to these people.  They are notified when there is a crisis.  Responding quickly, WMI often sets up a temporary situation first and then comes back later with a permanent solution that will last for years.

     In April 2012, during my latest medical mission trip to Haiti, I was invited to spend two days with WMI based in Port au Prince.  I was thrilled to be given this opportunity to visit two villages helped by this amazing organization.

     High in the mountains overlooking Port au Prince, villagers from Cabouel came from surrounding hills to collect clean water.  I viewed first hand how the money we raised, through walkathons and school/church fundraisers transforms lives. This exposure made me realize how we take for granted basic necessities and how fortunate we are to turn on a faucet and be given safe water.

     A multitude of people waited as two pipes delivered clean water that flowed into their five-gallon buckets. The buckets weighed forty pounds each when full.  The volume of water has dramatically increased as the solar-powered pump brings water to the surface.  The treatment system filters the unsafe water and produces enough to sustain a village of three thousand people indefinitely. 

     Since January 2012, a temporary wooden structure had encased the newly placed water treatment system.  Three weeks ago, WMI converted the building to a concrete enclosure.  A large concrete platform surrounds the pipes to provide an area free of mud.  Solar panels power the water pump during the day.  A generator helps on cloudy days or when the sun has gone down. The valuable solar panels, attached to the new tin roof of the pump house, are protected by barbwire to prevent theft. When possible, solar panels are mounted on church roofs.  In Haiti, thieves do not steal from churches.

     Six months ago, this well was contaminated and people were becoming ill.  They walked hours to other wells in hopes of escaping illness.  The villagers asked for help and WMI converted this contaminated well to clean, potable water.  At the present time, this new facility brings people together with their clusters of white buckets waiting, laughing, telling stories, catching up on news and jostling for their turn at the pipe.

     Some locals load their donkeys with their buckets.  One girl slapped her donkey with a stick and the donkey slowly walked down the road by itself, knowing its way home.  Animals are kept at a safe distance to decrease infection.  Education has made all the difference.  Now the people understand how to keep the water sanitary, and illness has been radically decreased. 

    Young boys encircled me, wanting to communicate.  We stumbled through a conversation using my broken French and hand signals.  The girls, more serious, were anxious to deliver water back home quickly.  They were curious about me, but also suspicious. Some let me take pictures, while others declined when I asked.

     As in many other cultures, these women carry water on top of their heads for long distances. I attempted to accomplish what they do naturally.  I could not even hold it steady on my head while standing still.  When I placed the water bucket on my head, the girls giggled, pointing to my stomach; my core muscles did not seem strong enough despite my athletic frame.  I could clearly see that I would need multiple lessons before I could master even a few steps. Before I took one step, the bucket teetered and my new friend took back her valuable water. At that moment, I became the source of amusement as women laughed at my gracelessness.   

    Another village, Seguin, in the plains area of Haiti experienced an epidemic outbreak of cholera in November 2011.  Cholera, an infection of the small intestine caused by eating or drinking contaminated food or water causes severe dehydration.  Children are always the most vulnerable to this potentially fatal disease.  WMI was notified and within four days of hearing about this dire situation, WMI had a system temporarily in place.  Prior to this installation, these Haitians drank the same water in which they washed clothes, bathed and swam.  The new treatment system took the contaminated chocolate milk-colored water and transformed it into clear and drinkable water. 

     Some of the men from this village actively helped WMI build a permanent structure to house the treatment system.  As people gathered around to watch the construction, all of us felt excitement and a sense of community.

    In visiting these two villages, each in different areas of Haiti, I witnessed a traditional phenomenon; local people socializing around their well.  I have always respected and supported Water Missions International’s work worldwide.  Their mission, to transform lives through sustainable safe water solutions, is evident in the field.  I feel optimistic when I see the impact that Charleston’s money has made in the lives of people in crisis.  One of life’s most essential needs is given to people, who desperately thirst for healthy water, one village at a time.

     Check out Water Missions on their website http://www.watermissions.org for ways in which you can participate, from volunteering to organizing fundraisers to writing a personal check.  Join me.  Together, we can make a difference.

Extra photos:

pipes filling buckets with safe water

Donkey knows his way home

water treatment system