Love is in the air, and we're not just talking about Valentine's Day! Our team is on a mission to spread love all year round by providing fresh clean water to those who need it most. We've been drilling wells in the poorest country in the world, Niger. For over fourteen years. We have some amazing stories to share with you.


Now let's start with the character of the people we met in Niger Villages - their gratitude and thankfulness for our help is truly inspiring. During our two-week trip, we checked in on villages to see how their wells were doing and scouted possible sites for the following year. The joy on their faces when they saw us was priceless - it's moments like these that remind us why we do what we do. 


2016 Rise and shine! We set out to teach the drill team how to use the rig from Texas that we sent, but little did we know, we were about to break some serious barriers. As woman, we knew we had our work cut out for us, but we were determined to prove the doubters wrong. We spent hours under the sun, pushing through the heat of the day, and despite the initial skepticism, we successfully taught the team how to use the rig like pros. It was a momentous occasion, one that shattered stereotypes. At the end of the day, we proved that with hard work and determination, anything is possible. That woman actually can lead a team of men.

Have you ever found yourself lost in translation, but still able to connect with people on a deeper level? After working very hard I needed a break to connect with people. For several days this group of boys were hanging around and when they saw I needed a break they asked me to take a walk with them. An unforgettable experience with seven adorable boys who spoke a different language, but spoke the language of the heart.


They took me on a journey to different compounds, and before I knew it, time had flown by. The boys were fascinated by my little box (digital camera) As they grew more comfortable with each other, I asked them to wiggle and laugh. It was a joyful adventure that will always be remembered. Sometimes language barriers can be broken with a little bit of heart and fun. In this heartwarming moment, a group of boys experienced the joy of seeing themselves for the first time through the lens of a digital camera. I managed to capture their laughter and excitement as they pointed at each other and then at the screen, marveling at their own images. I was hoping my battery would not run out because we were having so much fun we did not want to stop. It was truly one of the best days we’ve had in the Villages. The boys started a joyful chant of Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah and it quickly became contagious. The big smiles on the faces of the villagers were priceless and the chant got louder and louder as they were filled with joy. 

We just kept going from place to place. Then this little lady who was standing at the opening of her home welcomed us into her humble living quarters to meet her mother ( who was blind) and new cow. Despite the language barrier, her big smile and appreciative demeanor spoke volumes. She said she had never had a visitor before. She even gifted us with six of the smallest eggs we had ever seen, a precious gesture that we begged not to take from her. Our visit left a lasting impression and we couldn't be happier to have made her day. 


In a separate encounter, we were able to pay it forward by giving the eggs to another family in need, knowing that the little lady would never find out. It's moments like these that remind us why we do what we do. It is all about relationships and helping all we can to make the people we meet lives just a little better.

On the second day of our trip, we visited one of the first wells we drilled. The locals were aware of our arrival and had even prepared millet for us. Although it looked like cement, we were grateful for their hospitality. However, we were advised not to eat food cooked in the small villages as they lacked proper sanitation facilities and could make us sick. We were happy to listen to instructions. We shared our millet mixture with the locals at our next stop and they were overjoyed to receive it. They even promised to return the bucket to the other village where they knew it belonged. Overall, it was a successful visit and we look forward to more positive experiences in the days to come.

The next trip out to a village left us feeling overwhelmed with gratitude and appreciation. The locals were not just grateful for the well we provided, but they were also willing to lend a helping hand in any way possible. As we were preparing to leave, they surprised us with a unique gift - two live chickens! Despite our initial hesitation, they insisted we take them as a token of their appreciation. It was heartwarming to see how much they valued our efforts, and their kind gesture will forever be etched in our memories.

Another village where we drilled a well, he started a fishery so the people could add more protein to their diet. I asked what kind of fish? I come from the land of the mighty Mississippi where catfish are very popular. He said Catfish. I was so happy and surprised that when we left, he came running after our truck to give us a bucket full of catfish. With a two day journey we absolutely could not accept the fish. They are just so kind and thoughtful. He was so happy I knew the fish he chose to hatch.

Our journey took an unexpected turn when our truck broke down on a desolate road. As we struggled to fix it, a man with a cane appeared out of nowhere. Despite our efforts, the truck wouldn't budge. That's when we met a family who had been listening to the Bible on their radio and were seeking prayer. We were happy to oblige. As we prayed, a sense of calm overtook us, and just in time, a police car arrived, warning us to leave before nightfall. Which we had no idea how that was going to happen.

Ron Childs called home. Our truck has broken down and the only help available was from Ron and Jerry's daughter-in-law Dannette, who came like a trooper and thought to bring a very thick rope. While we were waiting for assistance, we prayed for everyone who came our way. A little boy informed us that the entire village had not eaten for a couple of days. Our team had an idea - we had two chickens in the back of our truck. Let’s bless them with the chickens.


You won't believe the wild adventure of how we got back from the middle of nowhere. But don't worry, we made it back before dark! The guys came up with a genius plan and tied our truck to her vehicle, making for an hour and a half of pure excitement as we were dragged back. It was like playing crack the whip all the way! As we approached town and the traffic started to pick up, we were worried about navigating the roundabout just before dusk. Dannette made another call to find her husband had gotten home. He met us at a stop just before the roundabout. Neal, who was able to take the car the rest of the way and save the day. It was definitely another unforgettable experience, filled with laughter and excitement.

We are thrilled to share our recent experience with Wells 4 Wellness in several villages. Despite language barriers, we were able to spread love and happiness through our actions. And besides fresh drinking water. 


We have just returned from an incredible journey, filled with love, hope, and joy. We witnessed firsthand the raw beauty of a simple life, where people cherish the little things that we often take for granted. I have to tell you we did accept the goat. He traveled with us for a couple of days in and out of the truck every time we stopped. He fell in love with Willie's jacket; he used it for comfort. I am reliving these stories and actually belly laughing as I read what I wrote.


But we could not have done it without you, our incredible supporters. Your generosity and unwavering support are what allow us to continue making a difference in the lives of these beautiful people. We are eternally grateful for your belief in our mission.

One more incredible thank you for helping us make the $50,000.00 matching fund Grant. We are already geared up and have started on wells at both ends of the country plus look at this amazing truck that you all helped our team  that will make it to the Sahara Desert many times this year.

Loaded beyond belief. This is why we needed a new truck. They drive 4 hours and then the rest of the way there are no real roads, just sand. Very hard on Vehicles. The vehicle on the right has great difficulties at this time.


PS The best PS ever - Bob my husband is in remission from Leukemia. Many people have sent notes asking about him.


Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts. See why it is all about love.

Give here! 

With love and gratitude,

Pat Herath

Founder - Well 4 Wellness

Wells4wellness.com

309-236-1301

Wells4wellness@gmail.com