Gecilda is at peace and happy

Gecilda’s life in Sitio Boa Esperança, a small rural community in Brazil, was once defined by her family’s need for water and the challenges she faced to obtain it. She and her husband lived simply: he worked as a farmer and a bricklayer’s helper, while Gicelda focused on managing the household and their children. But their daily routines were limited and somewhat controlled by a lack of water.

Every day Gecilda spent hours collecting water—two or three trips to a reservoir, hauling heavy loads back home. “I used to walk a long way to get water,” Gecilda remembers. “I would take my donkey, load up the vessels, and travel for nearly an hour to a reservoir.” Contaminated by animals and the environment, the water Gecilda was able to collect and bring home was often unsafe to use.

With a quiet strength, Gecilda reflected on why, in her part of the country, the responsibility of water collection falls on the shoulders of women. She explained that in her community, "A woman’s role is mostly to provide water and food. These things are for us to do." It saddened her to think about how her family often fell ill from only water she could find or afford to give them. “They complained about stomach problems because of the water. They would get swollen bellies and worms.”

Despite the heavy burden of water collection that sat on her shoulders, Gecilda never lost hope. "We all hoped that one day our lives would improve," she said. Thankfully through our work and the partnerships we have with Gecilda’s local financial institution, Gecilda’s hope that her life could improve with access to safe water came true. A small loan made it possible for Gecilda to finance the safe water solution her family had always needed to improve their health and help break their cycle of poverty.

“We now have our own cistern. It’s a huge blessing,” No longer does Gecilda bear the burden of water collection or worry so often about her family’s health. Now, when the rainy season comes, Gecilda knows her cistern will fill with the water her family needs to survive and thrive. “I put a screen on the pipe, and the water comes out clean. I just need to strain it, and it’s ready to drink.”

The impact of the new water cistern transformed Gecilda’s days. With a smile that speaks of relief and newfound peace, she explained, “Before, I worked so much. I would wake up early and work until late. Now, I have time...I feel...at peace and happy.”

To Gecilda, water is everything. “You can go a day without eating, but not without drinking water.” About her life now, she went on to share, "Having water here, it’s wonderful, it’s amazing!" What was once a constant struggle is now a source of peace and abundance, and Gecilda’s life is a testament to the transformative power of having lasting access to safe water.