The well project for the gypsy community in Talpos began developing in the fall of 2003. After realizing the need for water closer to the homes of gypsies for cooking, drinking and bathing, H.I.M. decided to begin fund raising for this project. A few weeks later, all the necessary funds came in and the well project began.

The original plan was to have the well functional before winter. Two men came and started digging in October. The first few days seemed to go very well with very few problems. The men had encountered some very large rocks, but were able to get through them. But as they attempted to dig further, a problem occurred. The walls of the hole began to collapse and the substance that the men had used on the walls couldn’t hold back the sand and stones. The men decided that they would not continue. The work was harder than they had expected and they chose not to try any other methods. I of course was disappointed, but not as disappointed as the gypsies who still had to walk over ½ mile for their water.

This spring, as soon as the weather was warm enough, a man who had dug wells in our village before and was familiar with the terrain agreed to begin digging where the other men left off. Many of you prayed for these men that they wouldn’t encounter any difficulties and that water would be found. Because of your prayers, the men were able to dig the well in a relatively short time with little problem. To God be the glory. Here are a few of the pictures of the first and second session of digging.

Of course digging the well was only part of the work. After the digging was completed, a man with the help of some of the gypsies built a small building that would house the water pump. After the building was constructed, the plumbing was installed. Up until that point things had gone relatively smooth. A man in the village was going to install the electricity, but the Mayor said that it had to be installed by an authorized firm.

For the next few weeks, the gypsies kept inquiring when the well would be functional. To them everything looked in order and ready to go. However, there was nothing that could be done. We all just had to wait patiently until the men were able to come and hook up the electricity. Almost a month passed until all the electrical lines were connected and ready to use. On April 21st everything was complete and the well was up and running. Praise the Lord! Here are some of the gypsies enjoying the new well near their homes.

Thank you so much for your prayers and contribution to this project. The children pictured below are benefiting tremendously from your sacrificial giving. God bless you!

I also ask you to continue to pray for the gypsy people that God would change their lives and their hearts. Only He can make the necessary change in them.

Thank you again and God bless you,
Sally Sebo