News

Field Report 12 December 06

Hi from Orissa,

We have spent time with the children at the Rejoice home. It was wonderful to see them all again and how much they have grown and progressed with their lessons. Vicki revived her rusty old drumming skills and gave the young boys in the town a lesson, which they really enjoyed.

On Tuesday we went out to the remote village of Kendupai where we will commence work on a well next year. We travelled by car until the road became inaccessible and had to finish the last 15km of the trip on the back of motorbikes! The countryside was beautiful and serene. A little while later there was a spectacular sunset with a full red sun setting behind the hills.

In each village the more well-off people settle on the highest part of the land so when the wet season comes they have less chance of flooding. Compared to most other villages this one is kept as clean as possible, however a primitive drain runs through the middle that does little to separate the animal waste from the village. The entire village is in desperate need of clean water and hygiene education.

The following Saturday we headed off to another remote village called Dakra. This time the journey had to be finished wading through a river used by animals and humans. Just call us the Leyland Sisters! The villagers here seem to be reasonably well clothed and fed due to their agricultural skills but the lack of fresh water breeds sickness. Once again the pigs and chickens coexist with the villagers.

Last Monday we went to Gojiajuda, the site of the next well, but took a wrong turn and ended up in a little village with a broken bore well. We saw two children, both pot-bellied and sick. The boy’s skin was covered in spots and disease. If mothers are malnourished, their children are born either sick or with extremely low immune systems. There are so many people here that need help and the hope that fresh water brings. After talking to the head of the village we decided that after we complete the other wells in the district we would fix their well or provide a new one.

We headed off again and found the drive wheel and motor of the well digging machine at the foot of a hill. Ten men were needed to lift the mechanism up the hill, a process that took 3 hours. This moment of triumph is something that has bonded these village men together. We showed them our video footage of them and this was something we will treasure forever.

While up the hill, Vicki painted a specially designed logo on the side of the drilling machine and all the workers loved it. We decided to provide the workers t-shirts with the same logo.

The work that needs to be done here is endless, and your support is vital for us to continue to help the villagers here in Orissa. Please use the donation form (link below) to show your support.

Finally, some very happy news. Hemo and Jharana are the proud parents of a beautiful baby son. He has lots of brown hair, with long arms and legs. They are SO happy.

Love and God’s blessings to you all,

Joan & Vicki

To continue this life saving work we need finance, sponsors, expertise and partners. Please join us and help break the poverty cycle. 100% of your donation goes directly India.* Our dedicated team of field workers ensure your donation goes to the area of greatest need. Donations are fully tax-deductable.

Please download and complete our donation form (PDF) and either fax +61 3 9803 6115 or post to PO Box 680 Glen Waverley Australia 3150. Cheques made payable to Jacob’s Well India.

On behalf of the villagers we thank you.

*If a tax receipt is not required. Credit card transactions incur 1.5% bank fee.

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