Imagine a steamy, summer day with an intense sun that lingers loosely on the horizon, and a slow wave of heat unbroken by breezes or shade. A tall glass of ice water is the perfect relief, and the condensation on the outside of the glass cools you off as you press it to your forehead. It is a joy taken for granted in many households, a blessing often counted in the small stuff, fleeting in the mind, ever-available at the tap.
Fadel and Mustapha live in the Jamoni community in northwestern Ghana. They are not yet old enough for school, but they help with farming for their families and their rural community of 900 friends and neighbors. Water sources are scarce and often contaminated, prompting a cycle of disease and poverty. Fadel and Mustapha spend hours each day, searching for clean water to bring home for drinking, cooking, and watering crops and livestock. They walks as far as three miles, round trip, to gather water from a stream bed.
But today… they are boys at a well.
The dust on their faces is washed in a life-giving fountain of clean, clear water. They splash it across their lips and the smiles of burdens lifted beam from their very souls. Joy rushes forth with energy from within the earth, and in that moment, the entire Jamoni community begins a new chapter.
Healing Hands International (HHI) is working with Water for West Africa (WfWA) to drill wells in farming communities like Jamoni, accessing fresh water deep within the layers of the very land on which they make their homes. With running water at their fingertips, the people of Jamoni can tend their crops and livelihoods and focus on their children’s education and good health.
Their children can stop searching. They can fill their water vessels from the closeness of their backyards, and find absolute delight in the feel of cool droplets splashing on their skin.
“Like cold water to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.” Proverbs 25:25
Fadel and Mustapha represent young children worldwide who are tasting clean water for the first time, thanks to the generosity of our incredible volunteers and donors. If you are moved to join the Healing Hands International Family, or to continue your support, we appreciate you and invite you to give today.
“You will draw water with joy from the springs of salvation.” Isaiah 12:3