Following the Myra’s Wells visit to Burkina Faso in January 2020, this is what Eddie wrote in his diary about a small “Centre for the Blind”.
The need at the “Centre for the Blind”
Monday 20/1/2020
We headed towards the centre of Koudougou, and to a “Centre for the Blind”. This was a very sad place. There was a shallow open well which was providing a limited supply of very dirty water. So, all the water for drinking and cooking had to be brought in. There were only about 20 – 30 people living here in makeshift shelters, one of which doubled as a food preparation area. Someone was cooking food over stones on a bonfire outside. The food seemed to consist of fried onions and rice or couscous. It actually smelled pleasant but that was probably the food 365 days of the year.
All of the people were blind and some had no eyes. The lady who was the leader was also blind and had other health issues. The whole thing cried out for this world to pass away and “the new heavens and the new earth” to arrive.
Clearly, they desperately needed a well.
But can we justify the cost?
The saddest part is that, in the big scheme of things, it does not make sense for us to put a well there because of the limited number of people it would help. But if someone decides to pay for a well at this place, we will provide one.
The kindness of strangers
The diary was published and distributed to over 400 people. One couple were touched by the story and offered to pay for the well to be drilled. We let our helpers in Burkina Faso know the good news and they were very happy. So were the people at this “Centre for the Blind”.
Making plans
We talked about the best approach to the project. A borehole for 30 people is somewhat extravagant – it would provide far more water than they needed. So, we wanted to make sure that other people would also benefit from it. So, the plan was formed.
We would drill the borehole and then provide a small tank on a water tower. The water would be pumped by a solar powered pump (after all, there is plenty of sunshine in Burkina Faso). Then, we would have two taps – one inside the compound for the blind people and one outside the compound for others to use.
Drilling is not always straightforward!
Of course, we can never be certain of finding water when we drill. The first borehole we tried was negative and we felt a little despondent. However, we know that God is in control and we prayed. The next borehole was positive with a respectable 1500 litres on hour of water. Enough for a small tank and water tower.
The finished well at the “Centre for the Blind”
So, here is the result. A plaque “Tony and Winifred’s Well” is on its way to Koudougou and will soon be fixed on the pump casing. The lives of these blind people have just been made a little easier. It won’t solve all their problems, but it will improve their overall health.
Why do people pay for wells?
After all, the recipients of their kindness are not known to the donors. The recipients live in a country that many people have never even heard of.
We believe that God just touches hearts to show the love of God to people who are poverty stricken and who desperately need a little bit of help.
We pray that these blind people will come to know the full love of the God who is able to provide “living water” through Jesus, His Son.
To view the full list of wells that Myra’s Wells has drilled, please use this link. Our promise is that 100% of donations will always be used for drilling wells. Myra’s Wells trustees pay all other costs, including the full costs of the visits to Burkina Faso.
