The village is located high in the mountains. To get there, we climbed into the back of pickups and held on for dear life until we got about halfway up the mountains. I had a camera around my neck and snapped one of the great shots in my life while hanging onto the truck.About 1/2 mile short of the village, we parked the trucks and walked the rest of the way. All of us made it, although those over 50 were exhausted and short of breath.
The villagers were gathered, thrilled that Rotary was providing funds for a water supply. The Mayor spoke and our bus driver interpreted. One woman said "Thank God for Rotary. It will illuminate us to the right way."
I will never forget, however, Rotarian Joe Johnson. Joe's daughter Heidi was killed in a car crash in February. She was an Assistant Governor and a great Rotarian. The York and Clover Clubs decided to dedicate a water project in her honor. New Esperanza was the recipient. When Joe told Heidi's story, there was not a dry eye in the place. I hope to be there for the dedication of that water supply.
After the presentations, the villagers served each of the Rotarians an ear of corn. I ate only half, but was assured that the other half would be eaten by someone.
New Esperanza had wireless connections. As remote as we were, I had two bars on my Blackberry Storm. One villager had a cellphone. Another had a Brett Favre Green Bay Packer jersey. Tom Friedman (The World is Flat) believes that connectivity is the key to future success. The Heidi Johnson project will provide water to 25 homes, and maybe the marvelous connectivity will let them compete in a modern world.
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