Tonalá, El Salvador
A few days ago, our team arrived in El Salvador to work with our friends at Agua Viva El Salvador to drill a water well for the people of Tonalá, a small village located in the verdant hills just a few miles from the Pacific Coast. El Salvador is just one of the many countries where Living Water International works to drill water wells for those who have little or no access to clean water. Over the past few days we have worked in the heat, in the mud, and in the rain — motivated by the smiles of those anxiously awaiting a reliable source of clean water. I am happy to report that a little after noon today, we finished the well. It was fun to see the people of the community gather for the dedication ceremony as we tightened the final bolt and then pumped the first few gallons of cool water.
As much as I enjoy the drilling process and getting really dirty, my favorite part of the experience is when we dedicate the well and present it to the community. Today was no exception. We had a formal dedication service in which we presented the well to the people and the people, in turn, expressed their gratitude. And today, the gratitude flowed as freely as the water. Both the village leader and the principal of the local school gave speeches while the village folk listened and applauded. The school principal made it a point to say that he was both inspired and encouraged when he saw us working in the rain yesterday. Seeing us work in spite of the weather gave him the assurance that we were determined to finish the well. Both leaders emphasized what this well will mean to their little community.
The only way for those of us who have access to unlimited water on demand to truly understand the depth of gratitude felt by the people of Tonalá would be for us to spend just one day without convenient access to water. Twenty-four hours without convenient access to water would be like an eternity for most of us. Although people who live in places like Tonalá are accustomed to the inconvenience of having to fetch water daily, the new water well in their community will make life much easier as well as lessen the likelihood of people getting sick because of water-related diseases. We have made many new friends in Tonalá. At least for the immediate future, they are likely to remember us when they go to their new water well to fetch their water. But that will fade with time, and that’s ok. We are just happy to know that we have helped to make a difference in the lives of a few hundred people because we gave them the gift of water and the Word.
Preparing a meal is just one of the challenges of having limited access to clean water.
Tightening the bolts on the pump head.
We signed our names on the inside of the pump head cover.
Marie, the only girl on our team, pumped the first gallon of water.
Girls praying at dedication ceremony.
The Tonalá school principal expressed gratitude on behalf of the community.
Kingsland team with the Agua Viva El Salvador staff.
The dedication plaque on Kingsland’s seventh water well in El Salvador.
Go Beyond 
This will remain…en el nombre de Jesus.
By: Jill Burnside on October 11, 2012
at 7:16 PM
Amen. Jim told the folks at the dedication to think of Jesus every time they draw water from the well. Good word!
By: Omar C. Garcia on October 11, 2012
at 7:20 PM
Our God is an awesome God! May God bless you and your team! You guys are truly a blessing all over the world!!!
By: John Tracy Richardson on October 11, 2012
at 9:59 PM
Thanks for your kind words. It’s been a great week in El Salvador. Already looking forward to returning next February to bless another village with a water well.
By: Omar C. Garcia on October 11, 2012
at 10:31 PM
Jesus said, “but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” (John 4:14) Great work, team!
By: Jason Hall on October 12, 2012
at 10:34 AM
Amen, Jason. Good word.
By: Omar C. Garcia on October 12, 2012
at 12:13 PM
Omar,
Thank you for always taking time, through this blog, to record trip progress and the great work of our Lord. For those of us who have experienced mission trips, it pulls us into a familiar place that is filled with emotion and joy seeing God continually at work. For everyone, it helps make an important connection, reminding us to continually support such great work. I loved your comment that the sun never sets on the Lord’s work. Thanks for leading us all to serve him and his people well.
By: Mary Quin on October 12, 2012
at 10:37 AM
Thanks for your kind words, Mary. Blogging while traveling is a labor of love to keep folks informed about our work around the world and also to give folks a glimpse into what life is like for others among the nations. Thanks for your faithful readership.
By: Omar C. Garcia on October 12, 2012
at 12:11 PM
Omar, I’ve finally taken the time to look up your blog and learn what kept you awake most of the night during our week bunking in the same room. This is terrific and I was touched to see my little (?) granddaughter in the pics. It was another rewarding experience for me — some of the most worthwhile time I’ve ever spent. Thanks for what you do and how you do it! I’be back in Feb. God Bless, Clay
By: Clay Lewis on November 2, 2012
at 11:18 AM
Hey, Clay. I thoroughly enjoyed our time in El Salvador. Always great to have you join us. Look forward to seeing you again on our next trip in February.
By: Omar C. Garcia on November 2, 2012
at 10:42 PM