This Simple Yellow Jerrycan

You cannot go anywhere here without seeing a simple yellow jerrycan. I have been thinking about this a lot, and the drastic need for water that is exemplified by these containers. But I think it is so much more than that.

This simple yellow jerrycan symbolizes strength. There are very few people I know that can take a 40lb awkwardly- sized jerrycan and carry it 10km...let alone multiple trips a day.
Assessing Gasiza was an eye-opening experience for sure, as the hike to and from the village to fetch water is treacherous, with steep, rocky, jagged terrain that would challenge even the most skilled of hikers. On top of all that, they do this without any type of reasonable footwear. I think seeing a simple yellow jerrycan can empower you, inspire you, and cause you to contemplate how blessed you are.

This simple yellow jerrycan allows for a symbol of equality. No matter who you see, no matter where you go, you can always find these yellow jerrycans. From Kigali to Cyanika, from our hostel Mijo to the gas station diner, from the Goico Plaza to the Nyagabugogo Bus Station, there is no lack of these yellow jerrycans. I have seen this resemblance as an indication that everyone needs water...no one is exempt. It doesn't matter if you're rich or poor, if it is a crisis, everyone is in the same boat.

This simple yellow jerrycan is a sign of humility, yet ironically, is also a sign of pride. The humble spirit that fetches water can be so overcome with pride for the water that is gathered.

This simple yellow jerrycan is strikingly noticeable. You can pick out one of these miles away, and it always fancies your sight. For some reason, you can't help but look at these marvelous containers. I think deep down, it is a physical representation of how important water is to us.

This simple yellow jerrycan portrays a smile. It could be the little girl using it like a drum, creating an upbeat dance rhythm that draws in a crowd. These jerrycans can ignite a smile when there is enough water at the rainwater catchment system. By using them, people can unite over stories and experiences shared over the water collection with this simple yellow jerrycans.

This simple yellow jerrycan brings about so much pain and sorrow. Wilson, the chief of Nyrautosho, had a daughter that was beaten nearly to death on the way to fetch water at a nearby lake. It was no fault of him or his daughter. It is just a result of a persistent problem that is encompassed by this simple yellow jerrycan.

This simple yellow jerrycan resembles time. We all can agree on one thing...time is one of the most precious gifts we have. With this valuable resource being limited, what we choose to do with it defines us more than we know. How can this simple yellow jerrycan take up so much time? When each trip takes upwards of 4 hours to collect water, you can envision how difficult it is to keep a steady job, maintain a reliable water source, and constantly bathe and wash your clothes. And although most people know the importance of treating your water before use, it is easy to see why many still don't. After spending all day collecting water, the exhaustion of this simple yellow jerrycan can weigh on you more than you know. When the water need is immediate, how can you justify investing more time?

Here's the thing. I can sit on my soapbox all day and talk about how important clean drinking water is to me, to our team, and to the world. But until you realize the struggle people face daily, it is difficult to truly comprehend what so many others around the world have to go through every day. As you go throughout your day, please be reminded of water in all of its beauty, and of this simple yellow jerrycan.