For One Another Happenings

Hello everyone!  I just wanted to write a quick update to let you all know what I am up to these days.  I am here in Ecuador, working with MAP International (www.map.org) for change for a healthier world.  We are working to not only make clean water available to many people, but also to educate them as to how it will effect them while asking questions and gathering information about their problems, fears and concerns for their future.  I love the work because it is long-term (years), it focuses on development, and the first step is to ask the people themselves if they would like to see changes in their community and if so, what change.  From there we organize educational workshops to teach about the subjects chosen.  For example, some of the topics include: common illnesses and prevention, family violence, sanitation, hygiene, and economic improvement.  We offer help and advice where we can and draw up a slow-but-steady plan for change with self-appointed, volunteer “Community Health Promoters”.  They are the people that want to be responsible to facilitate change within their community.  

ONE OF THE RURAL COASTAL COMMUNITIES

I have met so many people here who work hard for this with little or no personal gain except to see and feel the difference they are making.   Weekends and 9-5’s mean nothing to them.  This is a lifestyle, a constant, and everyone plays a part. 

TALKING ABOUT CLEAN WATER FOR HEALTH

I am working in the Community Health Program and focusing on clean water for better health.  I am writing a proposal to Sawyer Company for hundreds of filters that we will use over the next year to benefit over 2,000 people.  I am also helping to implement a pretty complex and detailed research process to gather information about the health of rural community members, about how they view their own health, what changes they have seen and what ideas they have for future improvement that we can guide and support.  Even the simple act of purifying the water will eliminate pain caused by parasites and waterborne bacteria.  Over time children are healthier in everyway without the illness that stunt their growth and development.  Many people know about the pain but they do not know where it comes from, how to prevent it, or the long-term benefits that prevention will bring.

CLEAN WATER AND RELATED EDUCATION HAS
THE LARGEST IMPACT ON THE CHILDREN

It has been very interesting to be so deeply involved with the people of these projects.  We work with them to create the project as opposed to them being the project.  This week, I was able to visit 4 poor, rural, coastal communities and talk to them about these ideas.  It was really beautiful to see the people, especially the women, who shine with pride because they are able to offer something to their community.  This is an amazing long-term project to improve health and alleviate suffering.  I’m thankful to be a part of it and so thankful for all of those who are making it happen.  Thank you for reading this short update and for following our efforts through this blog!

~Stephanie

"I am who I am because all of you are who you are."-Gandhi

"If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other." -Mother Teresa