River

So in the name of "exercise" (I plan on doing a lot of things under that reasoning) we walked down to the small river. And by down I do mean DOWN, like slight drop offs down. It took a bit of courage as downs are very hard on my knees and I'm still not 100% from my oral surgery BUT I did it even after falling down. We made it and it was a small running stream.  Mama was explaining to me how the mamas would have to do the walk in the soft mud during rainy season to get water to cook, to bathe, and to clean clothing and dishes. She said how grateful she was for the last Peace Corps and how much the water taps changed their lives. She told me about mamas who got injured, how people just wouldn't wash after a long day because of the hike. I honestly wish I could have recorded her standing in the stream talking about how, because of a Peace Corps volunteer, their lives were forever changed and the mamas were safer now. Jasmine, the previous volunteer here, truly changed this village and the lives of the people in it.  And, to be honest, mine! There is no way I could make that hike multiple times a day, as I know she did, and I'm so grateful she did. I'm also grateful for her hard work and determination.  

The walk to the river put a lot of things into perspective.  As now, the water system is starting to need repairs and fees are hard to collect in rainy season because no one comes to buy coco, or coconut flesh (copra), so no money is made.  But the day I arrived my counter part (the person I work directly with in the village) came to me and said, "Sunday we are having a water meeting, repairs need to be discussed!"  I was so happy and proud that I get to help sustain the work that Jasmine put in. Yay for second generation sites!!! Here's to seeing what I can do. 

Until next time

JumpInTheJungle