33 MAY 2023 WorldWide Drilling Resource® by Chris Hansen, submitted by Tim Rasmussen We had a good trip down here, with the exception of very heavy luggage - to be expected when you are packing brass pump cylinders, small motors, engine parts, and many polo shirts for Water for Life (WFL) employees. We were greeted warmly by the WFL Team here and Gary and Angie Bartholomew, our fearless leaders - and the weather. It’s an intense time as we exchange information to take over their roles and help them on their way back home to Spokane. I wouldn’t exchange their weather for ours, however much the heat can be challenging. And, I have to say, I love the warm breeze on my face as I cook or do the dishes, unless the sewer line is plugged, then phew! Now I’m not allowed to do either, as our helpers, Flor and Miriam, who were also with us last November, won’t let me near the kitchen. They are a wonderful help, but sometimes I miss doing the basics. It’s fun to listen and watch them chatter in Spanish and catch up on their lives. They were together here, good friends at ICAP [campus where WFL is located] for six years and live far apart and quite a ways from this part of the country. So, it is a happy reunion for them and other students/friends still here at the school. We started the week with an old Guatemalan, Central American tradition. The drilling crew was gifted with a live chicken for their work and it became our lunch one afternoon. The “caldo” (soup) was really tasty with potatoes, onions, carrots, and fresh tamales, the chicken tasty but chewy. We have experienced what I call “pocket chicken” on a number of occasions, as guests in Guatemalan homes. Not wanting to offend our hosts, I would do my best to chew and swallow, but failing that, I resorted to an old, childhood trick. Scope the room, sneak offending food into a pocket, and smile! The crew here gets a big kick out of the story and makes me realize, once again, how spoiled we are in many ways - tender, tasty chicken being one of those great pleasures in life. Right now, I am sitting at the table with the girls listening to the lovely music and voices of the students at the chapel, as they worship. It pleases me to hear the same hymns we have sung for years at our churches, in fluid and melodic Spanish. Nice way to start the day! Jon is our jack-of-all-trades here and is in high demand for pump and drilling questions, especially repair of the old Mayhew rotary rig. He’s also become adept at maintenance, repair, and fabrication of metal parts for the kitchen and living area as wood is the favorite meal of termites. Yesterday evening, he drove us to the Maxi Dispensa (WalMart) where we picked up some grocery and household supplies, entertained the sweet and friendly locals, and had a mini reunion with some folks we have come to know in the area. Most of the time, we are the only gringos in the stores, so we attract a certain amount of attention, aside from the fact we are taller than they and talk funny. We got pizza from the new Dominos at the new mall, conveniently located right on the highway. Big changes here over the last several years, with American money pouring in from all the folks who have left Guatemala for the States. This has left the country bereft of many, many men ages 18-30, who have left their parents, wives, and children to entrust their trip and borrowed money to “coyotes” who may rob, beat, and misuse them on their journey. We have seen a pattern of these men going to America, ostensibly to send money home to their families, but not being able to get back to Guatemala unless they are deported. As you can imagine, this becomes a real hardship, particularly for spouses left behind with children, even if they send money home. It’s all too common they forge new relationships in the U.S. and if and when they are deported, there are now two families involved and abandoned. For those who see open borders as a good thing, these situations are not being taken into account. Also, among those coming across are many bringing deadly drugs which is a current crisis. Thank you for your prayers, as we pray for all of you. Chris and Jon If you would like to help, contact Gary Bartholomew at 509-939-1941 Tim Tim Rasmussen may be contacted via e-mail to michele@worldwidedrillingresource.com WTR DON’T TURN THIS PAGE 302-684-319 & Mfg., Inc. Atlantic Scree et om ducts 97 en E-mail: atlantic@ce.ne Atlantic-Screen.co Clear PVC Pipe j Inline Chemical Mixers j ell Rehabilitation Prod jW DE 142 Broadkill Rd Milton, ½” - 24 ranging fr Perforated of Slotted Manufactu Fax: 302-384-0643 more! MUCH And j Bailers Sampling j Locking Caps j Filter Sock j Bentonite j Manholes j Pipe Clear PVC 4” rom Pipe and urers E 19968
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