Sixty years ago, several full rivers surrounded the Romanian village of Botinesti. There was enough drinking water for its small population. Seasons have passed and the village has grown to 600. All but one of the natural resources has dried up. In order to survive, the people resorted to desperate measures including collecting rainwater falling from their dirty rooftops and into the gutters. See how Operation Blessing Romania is bringing fresh resources to this rural area.

An elderly man watches with great expectation as the East Life Water Company brings in the machinery, piping, and pumps necessary to bring a clean water source to the entire village of Botinesti! In partnership with Operation Blessing, East Life Water will begin digging as soon as the winter ground softens. When this project is complete, potable water will be available to everyone all year long!

Many like this observant man remember the “good days”. This is when the local wells were full every morning. After a couple of people began taking much more than their portion, the entire village had to begin their day a few hours earlier to ensure everyone had enough for their basic needs. Over time the morning water wasn’t enough for both the village their animal’s needs.

During the long winter, the families relied on snow falling into old empty wells. Last summer they experienced a drought. Not even the rainwater being collected in a couple of tanks two miles away or from the rooftops was enough. Many became sick from drinking the contaminated liquid. What other choice was there?

Signs of relief mark the Romanian man’s face as East Life Water Company stacks some piping. He knows his childhood home will soon become a place of peace, health and prosperity. An elderly lady near him gratefully says, “Thank you for your big heart and thank you for thinking of us."

HOW YOU CAN HELP
Help break the cycle of suffering by giving toward Operation Blessing's water wells and cisterns program. A gift of $1,800 can drill a well for villages and supply families with clean drinking water.

 

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