Not everyone in the village where we drilled thronged around us like we were heroes. When we visited this girl's family to tell them we were bringing clean water, they didn't seem to care much. They lived on the outskirts of the village, and I got the idea they lived on the outskirts socially, too. Our visit seemed to make them uncomfortable.
"We are drilling a well!" we proclaimed. "You will have clean water less than half a mile away!"
Polite nods.
"We'd love for you to come to our hygiene training and to the dedication ceremony when the well is complete."
Polite nods. A few polite words. No more left to be said, so we left.
They did not come to hygiene training, or to the dedication.
This photo is my only memory of them, and it makes me sad. At the same time, I find myself praying for this family often. I pray prayers for the unknown, imagining them one day working up the courage to walk to the well and drink deeply. I wish it in my head so strongly I can actually see this little girl cupping her hands beneath the spout. I can see her smiling, even though she never did when we visited.
I think Living Water does a great job of reaching those on the fringes in society. But I think we need to remember to pray that they will reach those on the fringes of the fringes, too. Wouldn't that be a testament to God's all-encompassing love?!
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