Water. For Life.

Last August, nine of us from Liferay HQ partnered with Living Water and took a trip down to Guatemala to serve the people of La Hermosa, Escuintla. Since 1990, Living Water has been implementing clean water projects in developing and impoverished countries. Over the last 25 years, they have completed more than 15,000 water projects.

 

Though rich in agriculture, Guatemala has one of the highest malnutrition rates in the world -- almost half of the children are considered chronically malnourished.

 

In Guatemala, we were led by our friendly and fearless leaders Alvaro, Nestor, and Blanca. We stayed at the Living Water compound in Antigua where a couple of nice ladies cooked delicious meals for us each day. We would wake up at six every morning and drive one and a half hours to the village of La Hermosa in Escuintla.

   

 

Within one week, we were tasked to build a new clean water well and teach hygiene to the local residents of La Hermosa. The drill team got down and dirty as they drilled, made cement, and took sediment measurements. The hygiene team got creative and crafty as we taught proper technique for washing hands and feet, and the importance of using the latrine with Señor Jabon. Every morning, the children greeted all of us “teachers” with big hugs and kisses.

      

    

Throughout the week, we faced many obstacles including thunder and lightning storms, heat exhaustion, and countless bug bites. But knowing that we were helping build a much needed resource for this community was more than enough motivation to keep us going. We taught the kids about germs and bacteria, and they taught us how to play the “gasolina” game and “arranca la cebolla.” I’ve never had so much fun blowing bubbles and playing musical chairs by banging a hanger on an old, broken camera!

 

  

At the end of the week, there was a well-dedication ceremony where the mayor of the city spoke and thanked us for our work. It was such a memorable moment as we saw the crystal clean water pour out from the brand new well.

   

 

I’m proud to be a part of a company that values the importance of giving back. With Liferay EVP, we’re empowered to help our local communities, as well as communities around the world. If you’re interested in getting involved with Living Water, visit water.cc.