Waiting for Joy: Matrida’s Story
The Christmas season is one of joy and peace, especially as Christians worldwide celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.
But for Matrida, joy always felt far away when the water she drank posed a risk to her health and the health of her unborn baby.
Walking for Water While Pregnant
Two years ago, 20-year-old Matrida was preparing to welcome her first child into the world. But the conditions into which her child would be born were less than ideal.
Matrida and her husband, Robert, lived in Chimwenje, Malawi, far from any water source. Like many women in her rural African community, Matrida spent hours each day walking to collect water. Her journey to the nearest borehole [well water in Africa] took an hour round-trip.
I have to walk a long distance to get water and then wait in line. I get home later because I can’t collect enough [and carry it home] in my condition.
In Chimwenje, Malawi, Matrida walked for hours every day to collect water, even while pregnant.
Walking far in the African heat while carrying a heavy bucket of water is a challenging task for anyone, but it was especially grueling while eight months pregnant.
Because of the distance, I fear I will give birth on the way, or at the water source. I know someone [who] that has happened to.
Fearing for Her Life
Not only was the water source far away, but the water itself was not safe for Matrida to drink. She also worried about the health of her unborn child.
Although a well was drilled in her town, outside contaminants easily polluted the water inside. With no way to filter and treat the water, it was never safe to consume. The well water did not flow consistently from the handpump either, meaning Matrida had to wait in long lines for her turn to gather what little water remained.
Where I get water now, I worry the water is not safe.... There’s just water pooling around it, [and] it gets in the borehole water.
Clinging to Faith
Despite her circumstances, Matrida clung to God throughout her pregnancy. Shortly before becoming pregnant, she had committed her life to serving Jesus and sharing the gospel.
“I got really sick, and I was in the hospital. While I was there, I had a strange dream,” Matrida said. “When I woke up, I started thinking that God was calling me to minister. I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior…Now I speak to others about the Word of God.”
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Matrida’s faith in God helped her endure difficult circumstances during her pregnancy.
Excitedly Awaiting a Solution
Matrida had joy on the horizon. Not only was she about to be a mother, but she would be able to raise her baby with access to safe, clean water.
In the fall of 2023, Water Mission began building a safe water project in Chimwenje, in partnership with Compassion International and the local residents. We built the project with the capacity to expand, including connections to every home in the community.
Matrida and her husband, Robert, excitedly awaited both their firstborn child and access to safe water.
This will be my first baby. I’m so very excited and happy. I’ll wash him, wash his clothes, cook for him, and give him food and water that is safe because the water project will be close to home.
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