If you happened to be in the Darién jungle a few days ago, and you happened to be on the Tuqueza River, you may have seen a group of indigenous gathered around concrete-skirted hole a little ways from the river bank. Well… if you happened to stop and go up to see what was going on, you may have peered into the hole and seen two white legs protuding from the murky water far below, awkwardly yet perhaps intentionally. Don´t be alarmed. This is the new standard procedure for installing a 4ft. tall pump in a 3ft diameter well sleeve when you realize after traveling very far that said pump must be installed horizontally because of a number of variables which you realize are beyond your control. The procedure involves inverted, underwater excavations somewhat akin to catfish grappling. Perhaps this sounds like an undesireable job, but the water is refreshingly cool, and when you are submerged in it, the dreaded morongoi bug cannot get you. When you are not in the water, you must be covered from head to toe during the wet months in the tropical heat when the bloodsuckers thrive… a less desireable job (Colleen and Kalea stayed home for this one). Praise God!!! We put the pieces from a history of failed projects together and began pumping water for the community. I will return next week for a follow-up visit and some training for community technicians. Be well and enjoy your water.
