Water Filters Distribution in Northern Laos with Sincere Thanks
Hi Kathy,
We finally completed the distribution of the last of the water filters for the season. It was a four day trip, with the first day reserved for the drive to Nong Khiaw and having a relaxing afternoon at Viewpoint. In the next three days we managed to visit 8 villages, including Done Khoun (filters), Lad An (filters), Lao Sao (filters), Ban Xang Primary School (filters), Thong Loum (for the official hand off of the water project and celebration), Sibounheung Primary School (filters), Meung Xuen (feminine pads), Na Lea (Fence). It was disappointing that our west coast team had to cancel their annual trip this year due to the coronavirus, but certainly understandable.
We sure could have used help with this village of Lao Sao...as we were about 15 minutes from our destination at the top of a mountain, it started to rain (first since I arrived in November) and boy did it rain! Fortunately it only lasted about 30 minutes but left the area that we were supposed to work in, very muddy...so with nowhere to prepare the filters, the filters had to be brought out one or two at a time from storage while I took pictures of each family, one at a time. Some of the families didn't make it to the training because of the mud. I think herding cattle would have been easier....lol. Still, the distribution took longer but went surprisingly well, as our very small group of volunteers just jumped in to do whatever was needed, even through the pandemonium. By the time we finished, the mud road had pretty much dried out so getting back down the mountain was not a problem.
With your help, our grand total over the years is 5667 filters to needy families, hospitals and schools, serving approximately well over 28,000 rural villagers. While it has been no easy feat, it is the most fulfilling project one could imagine. With clean water, there are now more kids in school on a regular basis, more productivity on the farms, extended lives, significantly reduced infant mortality and generally, more wealth with fewer trips to the closest medical clinics and hospitals.
We are pleased to present to you a picture of the receiving family with their water filter, with sincere thanks. During the training, we put special emphasis to discuss prevention of illness from the coronavirus and from hoof and mouth disease. The hoof and mouth disease is prevalent this year with most villages experiencing high death rates among the cattle, water buffalo, goats and pigs. Many of the remaining healthy animals have been put into pens (rather than allowed to roam free) to try to limit the casualties.
I hope you enjoy.
Take Care and thanks again for your support!
Steve Rutledge
