The Drop: Sandra

Sandra is pure sunshine. I swear, laughter just seeps out from her pores. I first met her in 2017, when her community requested a water project and I visited to document the need. Together we walked the steep, muddy trail down to the murky river where she and her three children collected water, bathed, and washed clothes. 

Even though she understood the weight of her family’s situation, she didn’t let it show. Sandra made everything fun, even walking for water. She sang and laughed with her children, and splashed them playfully once they got to the river. Somehow, she finds a way to inject joy into every moment. When I asked her how she does it, she simply said, “It’s just the way I am. Besides, frowning makes you age faster.”

Since our first meeting, I’ve had the pleasure of watching Sandra and her beautiful family grow and thrive. With running water at home, Sandra has been able to tap into new opportunities. She enrolled in classes to complete her high school diploma, and has her sights set on college next. 

But it doesn’t stop there, because generosity creates a ripple effect. Today, Sandra uses her free time to pay the gift of clean water forward.