Antigua Well Project
Switzerland - February 02, 2006
We are extremely excited about the project we have just locked down for February 18-25th. We will be in Antigua, Guatemala working 
on our first well drilling project in collaboration with Living Water International. We'll be learning the basics of water sanitation as well as well drilling and repair. Hopefully, this project will equip us with the knowledge and skill set for future collaborative projects with Living Water.
It will be an interesting experience, as we have volunteered to camp in a tent near the well site in the Guatemalan jungle to save on cost and increase our effectiveness. I'm sure we'll have plenty of stories from that one.
Today, Michel took us to the wine country near Lake Geneva. It was incredibly serene seeing the Swiss Alps tower over the near-frozen lake below. Sadly, all of last year's crop was destroyed from a hail storm, so there was nothing for sale this year.
This area is quite unique, since the Swiss government put a strict regulation on the preservation of the vineyards, essentially meaning that no one is allowed to build here anymore. As a result, all of the homes are extremely sought after and are very old (1500s).
Sidebar of the day...
One thing that has really surprised me about this city is the amount of vandalism that has sprouted up in the past 5-10 years in Switzerland. Literally every block has something that is tagged. It is quite disheartening to see, especially when considering the beauty of this country.
JK said...So, I'm curious.....why is there so much graffiti there?? Typically that is a sign of discontented youth...are jobs scarce in Switzerland? Is the economy hurting? Is there a minority group that's being repressed? I don't know much about what goes on over there but something must be happening if vandalism has really increased that dramatically in the last 5-10 years. And...if housing is that scarce what happens to people who can't afford it? Do they just leave the country? Is there a homeless population? What does the government do to help their citizens who can't find or can't afford housing? Part of your mission is to educated people but that is being missed in your blogs. Great to hear about the beautiful country and all but that's not really what's important. Inquiring minds want to know.....
jbs said...I agree with JK. It would be great to hear about how you are touching the lives of those you are with, even if it is just one family or thousands.