The Water Pump from Heaven

Our water pump scouting took us to the Marura Village Dispensary which is supported by the Ol Pejeta Conservancy which was right across the street from the village.  The conservancy also happens to be home to the Sweetwaters Tented Camp (perfect for you "glampers" - I'm told it's $700 a night to stay there).  As we drove by toward the village, we saw a few friends through the fence.  

Anyway, the pump was perfect.  The location and lighting were spot on and the pump was functioning.  When we pulled up and starting getting out some equipment, some of the villagers came over and we found our star talent and, low and behold, we started shooting.  

The Village was miles off the main road so, as you can imagine, seeing us there was causing quite a stir and the villagers started congregating.  They were very friendly and spoke great English.  It was fascinating to learn more about their way of life.  Below is a picture of my new friend Rafael - who chatted with me and other folks on our team quite a bit.  He's holding their version of a shovel.  It looks much like ours, only the metal part of the shovel is actually bent at a 90 degree angle.  

Shooting went very well.  Several friends have been asking me why we couldn't execute this shoot in Atlanta - or someplace closer.  Much of the work that CARE does (56%) is here in Africa so, it makes sense to be here.  It also allows us to capture situations in their real environment (vs. being staged) and we end up experiencing things like random herds of animals cruising up the road and into the background.  Priceless.

After three hours or so of shooting, we wrapped it up for the day and did some quick celebrating with the villagers who were so welcoming and wonderful.  Again - I have an amazing video of them singing but...technology is not my friend today.  Below is a pic of some of the villagers who spent the afternoon with us.  So lovely.

Remember that whole "go with it" thing?  Our location scout turned into the actual shoot. Two shots.  One day.  Fantastic.  Next up?  Need to find a village and a cow.  But, not before celebrating the successful day with the team over dinner.