Can you remember a time where something you longed for was finally about to arrive, and then, for no apparent reason or fault of your own, it didn’t? Frustration, anger, perhaps a few muttered words (the kind we call “magic words” in our family)… until you accept your disappointment.
But then something happened that you didn’t expect, something even better than the thing that threw you for a loop. And looking back, you realize that this — had you known about it — was the thing you needed all along.
So it is with our well at Rwakobo. Last week, my email contained the exciting news of a spot with an 80% chance of success. Everyone was ecstatic! Cue the marching band!
Until the landowner decided we were trying to “steal” his land and demanded nearly $6,000 to use approximately 1/15 of the an acre for the well. (For the record, for $7,000 we bought 2 acres of farmland in a more accessible and desirable place than Rwakobo!) No assurances by the LC (local councilman) or Gideon made any difference. Appealing to his “better nature” and community spirit was a dead end. (We think he knew a mzungu was involved, but can’t say for sure.)
So we are back to square one, with the surveyor/engineer returning and the quest for a good spot starting once again. This time, several of the LCs are getting involved, though, and the whole community is taking ownership of the project to see it through.
And this is actually better!
It’s not Ten Eighteen Uganda’s project, or Wells of Hope School’s project, or Celebration Tabernacle Church’s project. Now that one man said no to clean water for 3,000 people, those 3,000 people are invested in making it happen! It’s now Rwakobo village’s project, and that is the hope filling the holes of our frustration. We are more optimistic than ever!
We’ll keep you updated on the progress this week, and I expect to have big news soon. We appreciate your support and encouragement!
Blessings,
Jennings
PS We have a project up for resident teen mom Leticia’s hairdressing supplies. She’s 1 1/2 weeks into the Hairdressing course and loving it! The project only needs $145 to be fully funded – we’d love your help! Webele nyo.
