Streams in the Wasteland

The realization of a long-awaited dream is often met with tears. And so it was on Monday morning 30 September 2013, that I stood on the Kulea land we call Ubazi with tears streaming down my face as Pastor Romy Mtenda thanked God for the well He has provided and asked for blessings on all who drink from it.

The American volunteer team joined Pastor Dalmas Nzai of Kulea Kenya, Pastor Romy Mtenda of Kulea Tanzania & Kulea Tanzania staff members, Samwel Kondo and Abreack Kisimikwe, in the dedication ceremony of the well on Ubazi.

These widows live just outside Ubazi land, in a small village, and before our well was dug they had to travel far everyday for their water which was usually dirty.

  

Beautiful!

After the short ceremony of praise and thanksgiving, we turned on the 

generator and began filling the buckets the women had brought.

Deborah with Romy and Abreack filling buckets and bottles.

In addition, each widow received a "Kulea" water bottle, provided by West Congregational Church.

First time to own a water bottle! Learning how it works . . .

It's difficult to express our overwhelming feelings of gratitude that day to Jehovah Jireh, our God who provides. Kulea USA Board Member, Kelly Lacourse, and I thought of all the donors who helped us fund this well, those who attended our first Auction in 2011 "WELL...", the 70+ art students at the DeClerck Gallery who painted or drew something to sell so that we could purchase a generator and pump house, and the ones who purchased art at the Captain's Well show. I could go on and on, but I cannot begin to count the number of people responsible for the fresh water flowing today at Ubazi. It wasn't easy, but because of the sacrifice of many, widows are being helped today as I write this blog, and in the not too distant future, this well will provide water for the children God sends for Kulea to care for at Ubazi Village.

With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.  

Isaiah 12:3

See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.   Isaiah 43:19

Taking a ride to the well.

Volunteers with Samwel Kondo and Dalmas Nzai.

Kelly holding Abreack's new baby daughter, Gift.

Volunteer, Debbie Kinnal, with Abreack's grandson.