Day 7
30th May
With the VWOS system up and running, and another site team present on the Villa, our team of 6 knew that our time here at Villa Esperanza was coming to a close. Keeping that in mind, we zealously worked to make some final improvements on the system, which included the following:
- attaching wooden blocks to help fasten the pipes
- adjusting the pump to protect the system from excess pressure
- creating a bend feature on the tank inlet to increase the ozone mixing quality
In addition, we collected some crucial statistics to answer some burning questions regarding electricity costs and time efficiency. As it turns out, our system is capable of storing and thoroughly purifying 250 gallons of water in about 70 minutes. Also, after crunching some numbers, we figured that it would cost roughly 24 US cents to perform the entire purifying process for one batch.
The World Health Organization (WHO) states that purified, drinkable water should have an ORP reading of 750 Milli-volts (mV). At the 60th minute mark, our meter had a reading of 800 mV !
Everyone was pleased as punch. At this point, we concluded work on the VWOS, secure in the knowledge that we have labored hard to make the system as good as possible. Our hearts were also warm to know that the Villa is ready to enjoy the benefits of the system.
We carried this positive energy over to our next task. For some time now, Forward Edge International in Nicaragua has been corresponding and establishing relationships with communities in need of amenities. After lunch, our team had the the opportunity to visit one such community to provide training on how to use Sawyer bucket filters. The trip took us through a remarkably long stretch of dirt road, which our driver William cleverly navigated across.
We carried this positive energy over to our next task. For some time now, Forward Edge International in Nicaragua has been corresponding and establishing relationships with communities in need of amenities. After lunch, our team had the the opportunity to visit one such community to provide training on how to use Sawyer bucket filters. The trip took us through a remarkably long stretch of dirt road, which our driver William cleverly navigated across.
We arrived at our destination, and the community received us very warmly, which spoke very well of their Forward Edge International's relationship. Our team gathered in a classroom and prepared ourselves to give a training session on Sawyer bucket filters.
Ariela Vader and William giving a demonstration on how to use the bucket filters from Sawyer
The folks from the community sat eagerly with buckets in their hands and laps as Ariela Vader, William and Toby Mea demonstrated the preparation and use of the bucket filter (online instructions for an older version of the bucket filter are here). Everyone listened intently and excitedly began to create their very own bucket filter when we were done with instructions. Our team went around helping individuals who had a harder time with their buckets. In the end, at least a dozen people walked away with a bucket filter and are educated on how to use it effectively.
We returned to the Villa and began the process of packing up; after all, we were expected to leave the airport at around 4:45 a.m. Before dinner, Gloria Sequiera, the executive director Forward Edge International's operations in Nicaragua, sat down to tell us the story of Villa Esperanza and how God's grace has been instrumental in all aspects.
Quoting the song Beautiful Things, Gloria explained how God, through the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit, is changing Nicaragua for the better. Speaking for the whole team, this writer felt humbled at the bare declaration of Gloria's confidence in God and his power to create beautiful things.
Dinner was held in the common area, and everyone, including the administrators of Villa Esperanza joined us. Our last meal turned out to be the most challenging one, as the Nicaraguan cheese proved too powerful and foreign for our liking (perhaps its a sign that we should have stayed a little longer). After dinner, there was a session for everyone to mingle and spend quality time together.
Dr Soerens distributing rubber band-wristbands made by his daughters
Ray (affectionately called "Grandpa" by the villa girls) performs a song on a guitar and harmonica.
Once all the commotion and energy has died down, the villa girls bade our team farewell. Next, we had a joint-worship session with the other team, consisting of three women and their daughters. It was a profitable time of exhortation and sharing each others memories. To wrap up the day and to tie the whole trip together, Jeff sat our team down and gave some words of encouragement to strengthen us along the way. He had us write a note, addressed to ourselves, to remind us of God's favor to those who serve Him wholeheartedly.
This trip has been absolute roller-coaster of a trip, crammed with diverse experiences. It had its fair share of frustration and anxiety, but God has also filled it with much wisdom and joy. In view of the trip's success, we would like to thank everyone for their prayers and support. Indeed, everyone's contribution has helped us directly in achieving our goal.
"And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him." - Colossians 3:17
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