“There is no life without water.” -Albert Szent-Gyorgyi, Hungarian Biochemist, 1937 Nobel Prize for Medicine
For a girl, my luggage is not typical. Each piece of metal tubing is no more than 36 inches in length, and the 20 tubes along with the drill bits are easily stuffed into two sacks and checked in as luggage on an outbound flight from the U.S. Upon landing in the target country or region, the sacks can then be loaded onto a small aircraft, a bus, or even placed in a canoe or strapped to a large animal. The equipment can drill 100 feet beneath the earth’s surface and bring water (“life”) to some of the most remote and poorest places on the planet.
My passion is to help people gain access to clean drinking water. My desire is for those people to see Christ’s love in my actions. The following verse is my prayer – that my service to those in need will direct their eyes to God, who loves them dearly.
1 Peter 4:8-11
8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that inall things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to serve others through these water projects, and I’ve been blessed to meet some of the most beautiful people in the world–both in character and in spirit.
I hope this blog serves as an enlightening and fun view of remote locations and new cultures!
Please email me at locowatergirl(at)gmail.com for additional information.
So, where did the title “How Many Cows” come from?
I was sitting under a large tree discussing cultural differences with a few of the Dinka tribesmen who spoke English. We were all waiting for the harsh South Sudan sun to settle a little closer to the horizon before we went back to drilling. Our discussions eventually led to Sandino asking me if I was married. I surprised the whole lot of them by saying “no.”
In their culture it is unusual for a woman my age to be without many children, let alone unmarried! After the men got over the initial shock, they asked “what cost?” Confused, I asked then to explain. “How much are you?” I had a feeling I knew where this was going but I asked for more explanation anyway.
“How many cows does your father want for you to marry?” Having trouble holding back a burst laughter, I responded that men didn’t have to pay for marriage in my home country. The Dinka men nearly fell onto the ground in surprise … and the name of my new travel blog was born.
Shaartuz, Tajikistan 2010
How Many Cows 
fantastic story.
You are amazing, Cait. I wish you much success and many blessings in your work. I will be featuring your story on the Cumberland County College Alumni facebook page, and linking to all of your information. Any help spreading the word about your work could make a difference! Hopefully if there are things you need to aid you in your work, this might bring you more support. I think I speak for everyone at CCC when I say we are VERY proud of you!
I can’t believe I didn’t see your blog earlier, love all the stories and pictures! Next time you are in Glassboro let me know because I would love to hear more about everything you have done. By the way I would pay 1 million cows 🙂
You are inspiring, Caitlin – I can’t wait for you to come to talk to our students in Vineland!
Hello Sister Judith! I just called Mrs Volpe this morning. I was sick all week and finally got on a series of antibiotics. I can’t wait to share stories with the kids, but we have to postpone because I don’t want to share my illness with them.
it was such a pleasure meeting you today at Vineland Rotary. your work is amazing! I will share your site with my social media friends. Best of luck with your latest venture.