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From NAPLES

to AFRICA

with Love

Teresa Murtland

well project, several village women were
Africa is the second-largest continent in there gathering water for the day. They were
the world, and covers an area of over 48 laughing and having so much fun in the
million square miles.Geographically, 54 water. They now have clean water so their
countries make up this vast continent families can get healthy and their children
that have a combined population of more can now attend school.
than 1.5 billion. It is easy to become The animals, particularly the lions, are
location with 100 other students from all over so intriguing. On one trip into Ngorongoro
intrigued and fascinated by the diversity
the world. It was also mission-oriented, taking Crater, two male lions blocked the road.
and vibrancy of African cultures. Over
food and water to remote bush locations along Eventually they moved to let us through,
2,000 languages are spoken across the Tanzania's Zambezi River.” but then also tapped their paws on the side
continent, making Africa the most Working with Africa 6,000, I've been back of our vehicle to let us know they were
linguistically rich continent in the world. to Africa more than a few dozen times. Part of in charge. They really are the kings of the
One language not counted amongst that my role is to document each of our projects with jungle.
2,000 is Love. photos and videos. Getting to know the locals When traveling to Africa, prepare to be
and hear about their needs is always humbling. amazed. Africa is like a story book in
eet three residents living in We have 16 members of our drilling team so many ways, beautiful culture, landscapes
Naples who have a history and a which live there permanently, their insight and and people. Travel can often be rough
Mlove affair with this magnificent knowledge is extremely valuable. with washed out red dirt roads. There are
continent. Their backgrounds and reasons for We're currently drilling in five different times villagers have to come out and cut
being in Africa vary, however the common African countries, and I like them all for so through the bush to get our drilling rigs
denominator is LOVE. Teresa Murtland, many reasons. Each is vastly different. There into the village; a safari is a must. Nothing
Lisa Spiller and Tim Tetzlaff will, in this are more than 2,000 distinct languages spoken compares to seeing these African animals
article series, bring their experiences and throughout Africa with approximately 3,000 in their natural habitats. When visiting
stories to life. I am sure you will enjoy different ethnic groups or tribes, each with or traveling through Africa, always do so
hearing about each of their adventures in different colored clothing and customs. The with a knowledgeable guide because of the
this three part series, beginning with Teresa population and economy of each varies greatly. language barriers and custom requirements
Murtland. Many times when we drill a well, the village that you might not be aware of.
“My first trip to Africa was October 2006 celebrates with colorful costumes, dances and My next planned trip to Africa will be
- January 2007, I had the luxury of staying special meals. A few specific memories: we in January 2026, I will be in Tanzania and
for three months. My purpose in going was delivered blankets to an orphanage in the bush. Kenya to do some new video projects. We'll
to attend a global school to learn about They had none so at night the children would interview not only our drillers, but villagers,
third world water sector issues and meet huddle together to stay warm. The blankets about their life's journeys before and after
the people who live with these conditions,” brought so much comfort. On one early we built clean, solar-powered water wells in
Murtland begins. “I stayed in an orphanage morning visit to a new solar powered water their villages.

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