We have been welcomed by the dry zone.
We have listened and listened. The people have made sure that we have seen their struggle and know what is happening with the climate and in their lives.
I thought that we would be gathering stories from individuals but actually this story affects all equally. And so it has been a collective story that we have been hearing.
Over the last four days I have played with children, shared food, been shown the villages water ponds and wells, cuddled babies, seen the pumping systems, pulled water out of wells, and today travelled by bullock cart to see one of the ponds.
Soe Taw village
We have been walked around the farm land tracing the water ways and pond inlets and overspills…This has been a surprise to the farmers in the middle of the fields and also the dogs!
We have stood under the trees with the people getting wet in the rain.
All the villages have said that we have bought luck as after a long time; it has started to rain. It has rained wherever we have gone. I am so happy that it has. It is needed so much and the people don’t waste water. they really appreciate and make the most of it.
The rain has made it easier for me to listen to the stories. We have wet eyes enough without listening when no rain at all.
I am glad to be standing getting wet with people and laughing as we watch the herds of goats running to get home and into shelter. During the last four days in the field there has also been so much laughter and love.
The common message from people is how appreciative they are of the NGO’s that have been coming in and participating with strategies and water. projects. We have seen many wells ranging from 100 years old to new innovative ones.
We see simple ponds and much more developed reservoir systems. We sit with communities who have piped running water and those who must still carry the water by hand or with cows. Those that are in better situations help the others.
All have provided the physical labour for roads, buildings, water tanks, ponds… Each village have put funding into the projects alongside the NGO partners.
Su Li Pan Village
I feel really humbled by this level of collective vision and unity.
I never imagined that we would be sitting together with villagers like this.
Namsai has been sick since she came to Myanmar and yet she has remained really focused on the people. I am glad to be gathering stories with her.
