Light

Something we all take for granted in the United States is electricity and the light it produces. Up in the mountains there is NO electricity. So what does one do when a child is sick or a woman is about to deliver a baby in the middle of the night?
Candles are lit or, maybe, if one is lucky, there is a lantern about. But, if it is windy, the lantern or candle can go out and this often happens at the worst possible moment.
Meet some of the "matrons" or native birth attendents receiving their new, first time ever, solar powered head lamps. The lamps are powered by rechargable batteries and the batteries are recharged with a small solar unit contained in a suitcase! Each of the native birth attendants chosen from this mountain region to receive one of these lamps was taught how to wear and use them, including the ability to move the lamp so it will shine where they want it to shine. They were instructed on when to get back to the local health agent for replacement of the batteries.
Their gratitude was expressed in many words and, they said, it will also be safer for them to go out at night up the mountain trails because now they will be able to see the trail! And if it is raining or windy, they won't have to worry about the candles going out or the flames starting a fire.
How something as precious as light - something we take for granted each and every day - can be a gift of immeasurably appreciated value!
Next time I will tell you about the "solar suitcase" and the 2 people who brought an idea to reality.
Until then, Take care, and God bless. Mary Ann