Go Beyond

Every morning after breakfast, our team sets off toward the village of Monte Rico. Our drive takes us from Acajutla on the Pacific Coast toward Sonsonate. Looming in the distance is Volcan de Izalco, one of El Salvador’s most visually dramatic and youngest volcanoes.

Izalco formed in 1770 and erupted almost continuously until 1966. The eruptions were so violent that they could be seen by sailors at sea, hence earning the volcano the nickname “El Faro del Pacifico” or “The Lighthouse of the Pacific.”

Izalco’s barren summit stands in sharp contrast to the lushness of the surrounding hills. Although it no longer sends its Roman-candle sprays of fireworks into the sky, it is still an impressive landmark.

We have been working in the shadow of Izalco – in a small village nestled into the surrounding hills. Drilling a water-well for the people of Monte Rico has become a community event. The local folks enjoy hanging out with us throughout the day.

Kids have made our canopy tent, where we get a little relief from the hot sun, into their new playground. Young girls on the way to do their laundry at the nearby river watch with excitement. Men lend a hand and women prepare meals and goodies for our team. There is excitement in the air every day.

Yesterday, we reached a depth of 175 feet late in the afternoon and found water. Although it was getting late, our team decided to work into the night to insert the casing into the hole. This casing is what will bring the water to the surface.

The decision to work late generated even more excitement. The local men helped us connect a string of lights to a generator and the women provided the coffee. There were probably one-hundred villagers present. Our work site looked like an ant hill. We worked until past ten in the evening. It was a beautiful thing!

Izalco has been dormant for some time. It no longer provides light that can be seen for miles out to sea. But last night, a string of lights hooked up to a gas generator provided light that revealed the faces of folks beaming with gratitude.

Agua Viva El Salvador, part of Living Water International, is lighting things up in remote and forgotten places like Monte Rico, one of many villages nestled in the shadow of Izalco. I am grateful to be a part of the drill team that is bringing clean water to the people of Monte Rico while introducing them to Jesus, the Living Water.