Thursday, March 20, 2014

"Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much!" -Helen Keller

Here I am, on a Thursday afternoon smiling like a little kid because I'm realizing how awesome the next 8 days are about to be. I am in Udaipur again and will begin installing water filtration systems in government schools in this city. If you have read my previous posts, you know it has been a long and hard road that brought me to this point. Plans have changed, problems have been overcome, and finally my dream for the children of Udaipur will soon be made a reality.

When the district officer for education challenged me back in November to do more work for additional schools, I had not idea what that meant. What was I capable of? Would people trust me with their money? Could all those plans come together and be a real thing? Even still there was that voice in the back of my head saying "Okay no, this is going to be too hard. Seriously Morgan, it's too much for you. You did something nice for one school and you don't owe anyone anything else."

Except..... I knew that voice was wrong. I am supposed to be here and I know it is a work of God that everything has been given to me like it has. I was born into a supportive family, given a strong education, and have invaluable resources at my disposal. I have wonderful people backing me like Madhu and Dr. Sareen, Sundhiya, all of the incredible folks at Waterstep, and both my church congregations of First Baptist Somerset and Richmond. I have a desire to help as much as I can and to stop at anything short of that would be wrong.

So, everyone... The story so far. This morning I went over to the school where I installed a Waterstep M100 system back in November. I was pleased to find that not only was it working... The school had taken it and modified it to meet their needs. The tanks were now on the roof, the pipes were linked to the faucets downstairs and the M100 was fixed to the wall. The school had made the system easier to use than I even knew how to set up. So that was cool to see. They had taken ownership of it, put in their own efforts, and were proud at all they had accomplished (and so was I).


So here is the game plan. Indian filter systems are used in homes all throughout India. I have one in my own apartment in Kolkata. They also make them on a large-scale model which are used in larger buildings like schools. Since Waterstep's M100 is extremely good for areas without electricity or running water, I will try to install the one I brought with me in a rural government school. As for the other schools in Udaipur, the best and most efficient way to bring clean water to the most schools is through Indian RO filter systems. Today I am meeting with several different filter companies to find one that will meet the demands of the schools and will give me a cheap price... ish. As of now each system is estimated at around $700. Meaning I have enough to fit 4 schools with Indian RO filters. However, I want to do more than this. If I am able to raise enough for 4 or 5 more filters, this project will be recognized throughout the state of Rajathan. Not that I want any credit, but that means more attention will be given tot the government schools in Udiapur. Maybe that way they will have more aid thrown their way for books, or teachers, or opportunities in general. Who knows, but more awareness never hurt anyone.


So here begins this little adventure and I will be diligent in filling everyone in on the details. Your support, love, and prayers mean the world to me. I would not be here without you! Let's see what God has in store of this place!

!!!IMPORTANT THING!!!
I will be taking donations all during this week if you want to help further this project. It's super easy! Go online to http://waterstep.org/donate/ and specify your donation is for me! Thanks guys!

No comments:

Post a Comment