Thanks to the generosity of the Dehonian Missionary Family, a well has been built for blind children from Nongbah, who are under the care of our Adoption of Light programme in India!
The road to realizing this project was not easy. Firstly, the Franciscan Sisters waited several years for permission to build their own well. Then, the estimated cost of the investment exceeded their means. We could not turn down their request – the children of Nongbah had permanently stolen the hearts of their Dehonian Adoptive Parents and our entire missionary community.
The search for a suitable contractor, a location for the well, and the completion of all the formalities, which are very extensive in India, were all successful. After a joint prayer by the children, sisters, and employees of the School of Mother Elizabeth for the visually impaired, the first shovel was put into the ground by the youngest student. But as often happens in life, various minor and major problems arose during the work, the most serious of which was the need to dig deeper, which meant an increase in the project's costs. However, the well is now in place, working and guaranteeing access to clean and safe water for years to come for the entire Franciscan community in Nongbah! We donated PLN 73,270 for the construction of a well for blind children in India. To fully express our gratitude, we are sharing a letter we received from the children and sisters in India who were the recipients of our donation:
Dear Benefactors of the School of Mother Elizabeth for the visually impaired in Nongbah!
Our hearts are filled with deep gratitude when we see how your generosity has changed our lives.
For many years, since we established our home in the village of Nongbah in 2013, our school has faced enormous difficulties, especially in the months from February to April, due to a severe water shortage. The only well in the area was drying up, and every day became a challenge. Our students – people with visual impairments – along with our co-workers and sisters often had to descend into a deep valley to fetch water for drinking, cooking, washing, and bathing. The paths were uneven and steep, but they bravely descended because they had no other choice. Sometimes leeches attached themselves to their feet and sucked their blood, but they kept going.
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There were times when we had to send students home due to a lack of water. Classes were interrupted, our daily activities disrupted, and the burden grew heavier with each passing day. It was painful to see our children, who already face many difficulties, have to struggle even more with something as basic as access to water. But today, thanks to your kindness and generosity, everything has changed. The well you helped us dig now provides clean, life-giving water – a blessing that reaches every corner of our school. We no longer have to send students home; our children and staff no longer have to make that difficult journey down to the valley. Your compassion has brought us comfort, dignity, and hope. Every drop of water reminds us of your love. Every smile on our students' faces reflects your kindness. You have not only given us water – you have given us a new spirit, peace of heart, and a better future.
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We are also delighted to announce that water from our well is available to our neighbours in need, so that the blessings we have received may also be shared with others.
With gratitude, we raise our hearts to God for you, our beloved benefactors, whose hearts are filled with compassion. May the Good Lord continue to bless you and your families for supporting this mission in distant India. You are a living part of our story, and we thank you with all our hearts.
With heartfelt gratitude and prayers
The Sisters, Staff, and Students
of School of Mother Elizabeth for the visually impaired, Nongbah
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