This is Daniel and his wife Monique. He is the site manager for the water project and has done a great job! He was excited to receive the rain coat and boots. He has to travel on his motorcycle out to the project each day and when it rains here, it really pours!!!!

At the end of the day, the workers all jump in the truck and head back to their villages.

These workers had to work in some pretty mucky places but were so excited we would take their picture.

The workers sometimes have to work in some pretty mucky conditions! They were so excited to have us take pictures of them.

The workers demonstrated for us how they connect the pipes. Together. The head of the team has a whistle in his mouth which he blows different signals to let them know what is being done. It was really interesting to watch as he blew the whistle to signal they were starting. He and another worker sanded the pipe, then primed it and finally applied the glue. Then he blew a number of times on his whistle which let them know it was time to join the pipe together. Seven workers then picked up the pipe which is 18 feet long and connected it to the next piece. They were very proud of their work.

Elder Moon did some measurements and was followed closely everywhere he went.

We were welcomed by a large group of workers when we arrived at the site where they had been laying pipe. Everyone was anxious to show us what had been accomplished. They even had a man with leaves attached all over his clothes doing a water dance. There was a very festive mood as they brought out a glass pitcher and glasses so people could drink from the flowing water! Even one of the chiefs was around for the tour of the project. They like to wear very decorative hats as you can see.

The Humanitarian department of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is funding a water project that will bring water to 14 villages ending at Luputa. We were asked to go and check on the progress of the project. This is the water committee with representitives from the various areas and the contracters. We met with them to discuss the project and let them know that the church has approved the second phase of the 3 phase project.

Looking over some of the plans.

People along the road to Luputa. They carry all sorts of things on their heads.

This picture was taken through the window and it was raining pretty hard but the people walk on!

At one point, two trucks were stuck in the mud. We had to find away around them without getting stuck ourselves. Our driver was very good at navigating through tough spots!

These drive-in food stops are are along the road ways. The roads are full of people walking, or pushing bikes, or trucks loaded with goods and people. These are like our fast food restaurants where people who are traveling can stop and buy something to eat. There usually aren't alot of choices for them, but at least they can pause briefly and get out of the sun.

Some of the roads are full of ruts...

some are full of water.

Some are very narrow....

and some have pigs wallowing in the mud!


Sometimes we had to work our way through the bush, hoping to get back to the road.

Traveling to Luputa in February 2009

In February, we got to return to Luputa. The roads going to Luputa can be alot of fun! Last August when we went it was the dry season but February was the rainy season! It was really wet!!!

Sometimes we would have to leave the road and make our way through the fields.

People really load the trucks up with goods and passengers.