Changing Lives with Clean Water

PERU -Maribel carefully walks narrow mountain paths each day, listening for the sound of running water. Living high in the Andes Mountains of Peru, Maribel has learned to navigate the world differently because she is nearly blind. With only 5% of her vision remaining due to an irreversible condition called retinitis pigmentosa, she relies on sound and smell to find her way. But finding water was one of her greatest daily struggles, highlighting the urgent need for solutions focused on changing lives with clean water.

Daily Struggles for Survival

Each day, Maribel carried heavy buckets of water back to her home while caring for her young son alone as her husband worked far away. The journey was dangerous, especially during dry season when she had to walk farther to reach a river with steep, slippery banks.

One day, Maribel lost her footing and fell into the river. “From that moment on, I’ve been very afraid,” she shared. Then everything changed.

A Community Transformed by Clean Water

Thanks to the support of compassionate friends like you, Operation Blessing came to Maribel’s community and built a water collection and treatment system—an initiative centered on changing lives with clean water. Pipes were installed to bring clean water directly to all 26 homes in the village, including Maribel’s house.

For the first time, Maribel has safe water right outside her door. Now she can cook, clean, and care for her son without risking her safety every day searching for water. “They even built me a bathroom. What a blessing!” Maribel said gratefully.

Because of caring supporters, families like Maribel’s are experiencing safer, healthier, and more hopeful lives through the gift of clean water, truly demonstrating the impact of changing lives with clean water.