A Day Can Make All the Difference: Day 4 in El Salvador

April 27, 2017

Yesterday we shared that the Triumph team was fighting off feelings of disappointment when their original well placement, including two days’ worth of drilling, was lost due to unexpected issues with water pressure. Today, we are pleased to report that the team was able to make up lost time and is well on its way to providing clean water for the people of Cerco de Piedra!

Ray and Tya celebrate striking water at the new drilling location.
Ray and Tya celebrate striking water at the new drilling location.

The Triumph team relocated the drill and equipment 100 yards away from the original location and immediately began drilling a new well in search of improved water pressure. Stable water pressure is essential to provide a sufficient water source for the community. It took 12 hours of work and 36 meters (120 feet) of drilling, but the team came together to make it happen. The water pressure at the new location turned out to be perfect.

Tya kicks off the day drilling before the team reached water below the ground.
Tya kicks off the day drilling before the team reached water below the ground.
Luke hits water while drilling as mud begins to fly.
Luke hits water while drilling as mud begins to fly.
Shannon takes a turn drilling.
Shannon takes a turn drilling.

The hygiene team spent the day teaching the children how to properly brush their teeth and read the miracle of Jesus walking on water. When lessons were complete, they joined the kids to play games. After a fun afternoon with the kids, the hygiene team joined the drilling team for an additional three hours of work at the new site of the well.

Participants in the hygiene class clap at the end of the skit performed by the Triumph team.
Participants in the hygiene class clap at the end of the skit performed by the Triumph team.
Jeisy, Vanessa, Christine and Fanny with a lizard created from beads and string
Jeisy, Vanessa, Christine and Fanny with a lizard created from beads and string
Kevin takes a selfie with some of the women in the village.
Kevin takes a selfie with some of the women in the village.

The drilling team made great progress throughout the day. After drilling the appropriate depth and inserting the pipes into the ground below the well pump, the well was set, and the team laid the concrete foundation. Triumph trip team leaders Christine and Ray placed the Triumph plaque into the concrete, and the team celebrated their progress of a fulfilling 12-hour workday. What a difference one day can make! Later this week, the team is installing an electrical pump for the well which will provide clean, running water to hundreds of people for years to come!

The team helps guide PVC pipe into the ground.
The team helps guide PVC pipe into the ground.
Kevin and Luke fill in the hole surrounding the PVC pipe with gravel from the trip to the quarry yesterday.
Kevin and Luke fill in the hole surrounding the PVC pipe with gravel from the trip to the quarry yesterday.
Enrique and Armando set the foundation of the well.
Enrique and Armando set the foundation of the well.
Christine and Ray place the Triumph well plaque into the foundation.
Christine and Ray place the Triumph well plaque into the foundation.

We are so proud of our Triumph team for making the most of a difficult situation and for their hard work and determination to make this happen! Today, the team’s plan is to flush the well of dirty water, install the electric pump for the well, and prepare for a well dedication ceremony with all the people in the village tomorrow.

A woman in the village brings homemade papusas to the team while working into the evening.
A woman in the village brings homemade papusas to the team while working into the evening.