First Things First

One of the most important tasks upon arrival in the village is to draw water from the well to fill our two 50-gallon drums. It's a daily task, but never more critical than upon our arrival, since the water drums are empty.

These pictures show the well as it was in September, crowded with people, surrounded by green growth, so much so that the school in the background is hidden. The other picture is the well as it was in July, which clearly reveals the school in the background.

As we all pitched in to draw water as a team, we were soon informed by the villagers that the older women never draw water from the well, and therefore, Sara Lou and Karen and myself must never be allowed to draw water. It is the responsibility of the younger women to do so. I must admit I was not too upset to learn of this very cultural viewpoint.

Lori tried to prove to us that she's almost as African as the village women by carrying her bucket of water with no hands.

The truth is, the "no hands" portion lasted about as long as the split second it took to take the picture needed to prove that she hauled the full bucket of water with no hands. Look, Ma!!!