Our new friend Lucy

Is it a swimming pool? And who is Lucy? Everything needs a name so our new venture was named Lucy by Candice, a friend from Canada.

Back in January we started another project – water storage. However, after a few days our helpers found other things to do and the work halted. (Did I ever say that patience is something you learn when you live here?) For months we had a large structure about 5.5 meters in diameter and about a meter high sitting in the yard. When neighbours came they questioned us about our swimming pool. That we were building a large water storage tank was a bit more than they understood.

In May, with the help of Dana and Candice, a couple of Canada and a few Bolivian friends we were able to complete the construction. Although the Bolivians were not comfortable constructing something round and large, they managed.

Using the advice of our cousin who built similar structures in Australia, we tackled the project. Bricks were first laid on a cement foundation. When the brick tank was completed it was reinforced with wire wound closer at the bottom and farther apart at the top. Then a layer of cement was applied to the outside.

At this point all the workers left. Dana and Candice returned to Canada and the rest of the helpers went back to their own work. Jake spent the next week applying the cement to the inside of the tank. Not being as skilled at applying the ‘reboque’ as the Bolivians with a trowel, he used his hands. No one will see the inside anyway, he says.

Jake needs to complete the spouts to the tank and the cover. Then we wait for the rain. When the tank is filled we should enough water with pressure for the house and even be able to water the plants – with a hose rather than a bucket! All we need is a bit more patience for the rains to come – but we are more than willing to wait for that.

And then there is even more water.

A fellow missionary, Daniel Beams, works with well drilling projects. One of his groups, a team from Texas, wanted a jungle experience. Danny knew that this area had trouble with iron in the water and was curious at what level one would reach iron-free, sweet water. Although we didn’t feel we really needed another well, it was more appropriate to dig at our place in case good water was not available.

The first well, 12 meters deep, produced lots of iron laden water. A second well, 50 meters deep, gives iron free water. We are sending some to be tested to ensure that it is drinkable without further filtering.

The team also drilled one well in Tarumá, the neighbouring community. Carlos, the well driller that work with the teams, will continue to drill well with the men of the community over the next month.