Have you heard a Bible story called “The Man at the Well”? 

No, you haven’t.

But I bet you’ve heard about the “Woman at the Well.” It happened in Samaria when a woman showed up at the village well carrying an empty jerry can.

It was noon. The sun was hot, and Jesus startled her by striking up a conversation that veered in an unexpected direction. One thing led to another, and before you know it, the whole town was gathered around the well. A disciple named John wrote it all down and the story has since been shared a hundred million times in countries all around the world.

If you’ve been to Uganda, this scenario is familiar. The cultural norm that requires women to carry water has survived a few thousand years of time. Maybe it happens, but I have been to Uganda eight times, and I haven’t seen a man carrying water. (In Uganda, the women also care for the children, wash the clothes, carry the firewood, and cook the meals.)

We aren’t sure how to change the culture, but we know what we have to do. We have to bring clean water into every village that we serve so that no one has to carry water from great distances.

One of the guys who helped with our medical trip last month created a video. It’s really good. Take a couple of minutes and watch it. You’ll be glad you did.

By the end of the year, we plan to have water in the heart of Kinyante IV and Sarakihombya villages. We are on the verge of putting a permanent end to the tradition of women breaking their backs carrying 42 pounds (19 kilos) of water up steep hills and down long pathways.

If you have helped us in the past, thank you. If you haven’t, here is a chance to push us over the top. Ourganda is turning pain and suffering into smiles. And having the time of our lives.