Water

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Clean drinking water is a precious commodity that we take very much for granted in the U.S. In Congo, as in many African countries, the people have to work hard for it. Here in Kimwenza the Sisters of Notre Dame have an underground well. Rain water is also collected in large metal containers. After water is boiled in large pots, it is set aside until it has come to room temperature. Then the Sisters place it in a container with eleven filters. The boiled and filtered water then goes into bottles and is stored in the refrigerator. Whenever I am enjoying a glass of cold water on a hot afternoon, I try to remember with gratitude all the care that has gone into making it safe for us to drink.

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Photos

Water
There are several of these red containers on the compound for collecting rain water.

Water
The water in this container has passed through eleven filters.

Water
There is always plenty of cold drinking water in the fridge. These bottles appear on all the dining room tables at meals.