#WATWB – Clean Drinking Water
This is my first post for the We Are The World Blogfest, which occurs on the last Friday of every month.
I chose a story I wrote about a man providing clean drinking water to thousands in coastal Ecuador.
A few weeks after the April 16, 2016 7.8 Ecuador earthquake, Tennessee pastor Gary Vance arrived in Puerto Lopez. He had a suitcase full of water filters and a plan – provide clean drinking water for those who needed it.
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| Installed water filter post-earthquake, Ecuador Photo courtesy of Gary Vance |
Gary has made six trips to Ecuador since the earthquake, spent 88 days in country, delivered 1000 filters, and documented over 5000 people who have gained filtered water.
Update since the original story
Gary is now Ecuador on his seventh trip since the earthquake. This time, he brought two scientists from the University of North Alabama. They are testing water for any dangerous compounds to ensure that the installed filters are working as expected.
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| Dr. Amanda Coffman and her husband Derrick in Ecuador testing water Photo courtesy of Gary Vance |
Gary is proof that one man can make a huge difference in people’s lives! I encourage you to visit his Tears2Water charity to learn more. Like Tears2Water on Facebook for real-time updates and additional photos.
Emily Bloomquist
I am a US Expat in Ecuador. I grew up on a Minnesota farm, worked in IT in California's Silicon Valley, then moved to a coastal Ecuador fishing village. My goal is to share Ecuador with you, one snippet at a time. Topics include attractions, compassion, ecotourism, Ecuador products, everyday Ecuador, and flora and fauna. Please let me know what you would like to read more about!
23 Comments
BWitzenhausen
Fantastic story! One person can make a huge difference as proven by Pastor Vance. Thanks so much for sharing! #WATWB
Belinda Witzenhausen~Writer, Creativity Coach & Artist
Emily Bloomquist
They sure can, Belinda! Thanks very much for stopping by.
Fil
Brilliant to see such generosity of spirit at work.
Emily Bloomquist
I agree, Fil.
Lynn Hallbrooks
I think that what Pastor Vance did and continues to do is very cool. Thanks so much for sharing and for being a member of #WATWB
Emily Bloomquist
Thanks, Lynn. I am so impressed with what he has done and am happy to have joined #WATWB.
Michelle Wallace
Gary Vance is doing an amazing job!
I believe we can all do something to make a difference, no matter how small. Every bit counts.
It boils down to ordinary human beings doing extraordinary things…
Writer In Transit
Emily Bloomquist
Yes it does, Michelle. Nicely summarized.
Deborah Weber
What a great story, and a perfect sharing for WATWB – I'm so glad you're participating!
Emily Bloomquist
Thank you, Deborah!
Unknown
This is a great reminder of the power of one. One man can bring a change. One by one we can all make a change. Thanks for sharing this and for visiting my blog 🙂
Pradita Kapahi
In case you're wondering who I am (I don't know why blogspot won't let me enter my WP site) this is Pradita Kapahi from the Pradita Chronicles at WordPress 🙂
Emily Bloomquist
Thanks for clarifying, Pradita. Yes, we can all bring change, one by one.
Susan Scott
Thanks for taking part Emily! Your story of one man's power to bring clean water to a devastated area is the sort of story we need to hear more of. And be reminded that such 'goodness' is possible, from each and every one of us, in whatever way … thank you.
Emily Bloomquist
Thank you, Susan.
Hilary Melton-Butcher
Hi Emily – this is a great story … Gary is obviously very committed to the cause – and yes water is essential for us all – so it is wonderful to see the help he is giving Ecuadorians who need clean water. Thanks Emily for sharing this … Tears2Water – an excellent charitable organisation … cheers Hilary
Emily Bloomquist
Yes, Hilary, Gary is committed to this cause. Such an inspiration.
Simon Falk
Ah, now that is sharing real, life-giving water. Thanks for sharing and being in our blogfest Simon’s Still Stanza #WATWB
Emily Bloomquist
Thanks Simon!
bellybytes
Water is a precious resource and more power to those who make it available to those who have limited access to it.
Emily Bloomquist
Well said, Belly!
Cindy Massey
I visited Puerto Lopez a few months ago and bought the Palo Santo soap and shampoo. I live in Cuenca and cannot find them. Can you help? Thanks. Cindy
Emily Bloomquist
Absolutely, Cindy, I can help. Their website is http://www.elartesan.com.ec/ and they have a contact area so you can ask how to have it shipped to Cuenca or maybe someone in Cuenca sells it. I wrote about Palo Santo before, too (https://emilyinecuador.com/2018/04/palo-santo-products-made-in-puerto.html). I love Palo Santo and the products made from it!