Every Last Drop 💧

The reminder was hard to miss. The day was circled repeatedly in pencil on her 2006 calendar. “They said there would be water here today,” Nekesa recalled enthusiastically. “Here!”

The young mother strapped an infant to her back, stepped through her front door, and into a long narrow ally. The corrugated metal walls lining the walkway reflected the morning sun like dirty mirrors making the corridor feel significantly hotter than in the open-air spaces outside the slum.

“They also said this water is free to everyone. Can this really be?”

A well in the heart of this the community would not only help thousands of people with their critical daily needs, but would also completely change the way Nekesa provides for her family. Instead of spending countless hours each day traveling great distances to her usual access point, she could reinvest that time serving more customers. And the shillings necessary to buy water today could pay other critical expenses tomorrow.

“It’s time to see this great thing for myself,” she thought as a smile widened on her face.

Nekesa reached down and grabbed the battered 20-liter jug sitting just outside her door. “This is the easy part,” she said aloud with a hearty chuckle as she lifted the empty container. The woman then made her way down the dirt and rock path before disappearing into the bustle of Kawangware’s main street.

For more than 19 years now, Nekesa has been retrieving water every day at the Vapor center. “I collect water there usually four times a day,” she said. “I manage 20 liters each trip. I collect more when I am preparing the laundry.”

And on the days she isn’t able to carry out the labor-intensive chore herself, one of her children steps into the role.

“The free Vapor water is the best thing that has happened in this area,” she offered. “There are very few water points in the area and the places where you can get it are expensive. They are also a very great distance, especially without transportation.”

Nekesa once traveled nearly 10 kilometers from her home to get water on foot. Today, that journey is less than 1,000 feet. And while carrying 45 pounds of water atop her head multiple times each day is no easy feat, it’s a blessing compared to the ordeal she used to face.

The vast majority of the water is used for drinking, cooking, bathing, and cleaning in a home of seven people. And on the days she does laundry, Nekesa shared that she usually collects “well over 100 liters.” This was virtually impossible to do before the Vapor well opened.

While her family’s health is her top priority, she also uses the water for her business. This small produce stand is nestled in a tiny alcove in the slender pathway that runs between the Vapor center and the residential area to the East. This strategic location experiences high foot traffic as it serves as a thoroughfare between the heart of the slum and one of Kawangware’s main business districts.

This market stall is one of many in the community, but Nekesa’s stands out from most because she offers a selection few vendors can. This distinction has contributed to a loyal customer base, that and her jovial spirit and boisterous personality.

“I travel to collect vegetables that are more difficult to find in this neighborhood,” she said. “Yes, I buy them in bulk at a large market some 15 kilometers from this place. I can then sell them for very good prices.”

As with the water collection decades prior, Nekesa makes this incredible journey, by foot, every morning. “Many people cannot make this distance,” she added through a confident smile.

“My business is open every day,” she continued. “It is how I make money. I sell onions, tomatoes, and bananas. I use the water to wash the produce, but I also cook beans to sell.”

Your compassion has provided more than 560,000 liters of water to this one family in this community alone. Your investment saved this same family an estimated 285,000 shillings (approximately $2,200) because this critical resource is freely given.

For nearly two decades, Nekesa and her family have continually benefited from your involvement in this community. They have received food during outreach initiatives, seen and heard the gospel preached throughout the area, and all five children have grown up in the discipleship league at the center. This is especially important to Nekesa who has been a Christian since she was young.

The constant outpouring of your love and generosity is seen, felt, remembered, and savored throughout this community and around the world–every last drop. Thank you!

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World Water Day is March 22. Please consider making a one-time or recurring gift of ANY amount today to help ensure this FREE life-sustaining resource continues to flow into the communities we serve on your behalf.