Reflecting on LWI 2024: A Decade of Living Water Trips

It is shocking to learn over 700 million people around the world do not have access to clean drinking water, which is vital for human survival. This lack of access to the most basic human need perpetuates a vicious cycle of poverty and suffering. Access to #cleanwater has a significant impact on physical and mental health and is the foundation for all sustainable development within a community. Since 2001, Living Water International has sent hundreds of teams each year on a trip to give the gift of clean water in Jesus' name.

2024 marked the tenth trip for Triumph Financial with Living Water International, celebrating a decade of trips and more than 100 team members who had traveled to El Salvador and Nicaragua on a mission to provide clean drinking water.?

In April, team members from each of our brands participated in this life-changing experience. For a week, they served the small community of El Laredo in Nicaragua. Despite facing many challenges with the drill and motor, including drilling through rock and clay, the team eventually found a viable water table on the fifth day of their trip! However, more work was still needed to make the well usable.

On their final day in the community, the team woke up bright and early, determined to complete the well before the dedication ceremony later that day. The remaining work included cleaning the water suction pipes and placing them into the well one by one. Approximately 160 feet of both water suction pipe and piston rod underground connect to the hand pump above ground where the community accesses the clean water. After hours of hard work, water finally began flowing from the pump! The atmosphere was filled with excitement as community members gathered around the newly installed well to witness the flow of clean water. The children were thrilled to take turns using the new pump, allowing the fresh water to run over their hands, which put broad smiles on their faces. It was a truly miraculous sight!

After completing the well, the community gathered at the school next to it to celebrate the occasion. This ceremony is a cherished part of each trip, where locals exchange stories and discuss how the well will improve their lives. As a delightful surprise for the community, the Triumph Financial team treated everyone to pizza. It was a perfect way to end their time in El Laredo. The team bid farewell to the community and the LWI team, and headed to the hotel for the final night. They spent their last evening together, sharing stories and building relationships that will endure long after the trip is over.?

Check out the highlight video and read the team's final thoughts on their experiences below.?

Ana Rosa Ceja

"Each day was filled with hard work, laughter and shared moments of reflection that deeply connected us to the local families. Witnessing the joy and gratitude in their eyes as freshwater flowed for the first time was a profoundly moving experience.?This journey not only nourished my faith but also taught me the power of service and compassion transforming lives."

Briana Galindo

"Working alongside Living Water International is the best experience God has given me. The experience had such a major impact on me. It has made me grateful and thankful for everything I have in life and has taught me not to take life for granted. This trip made me realize that I want to do more good in the world. I want to be part of a constant change so we can make the world a better place."

Brooke Faircloth

"This trip was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. I feel beyond blessed and grateful to have been given this opportunity through Triumph Financial. This experience gave me a new and profound insight into the culture, language, and way of life in Somotillo. Stepping out of my own comfort zone provided me with real-life education that helped me grow and understand that, but I really people truly do make the difference."

Grant Schiller

"My favorite activity on the trip was the drilling. I'm not typically a person who gets physically down and dirty. But I really I enjoyed having a cause where I knew I needed to do it and I needed to be able to hold my own weight. I enjoyed doing the physical labor towards something tangible that we were building alongside people from the community, who I really enjoyed getting to work with."

Jesus Cervantes?

"Embarking on my second LWI trip was a no-brainer, driven by the profound impact of my initial experience traveling to El Salvador in 2020. Witnessing the community's struggles firsthand highlighted the urgent need for resources like water. Despite the challenges, engaging in activities like drilling wells and playing with the children brought a sense of purpose and progress. Yet, it was the connections forged, both amongst our team and with the resilient locals, that truly defined the trip. Triumph Financial's unwavering support ensures these journeys continue to make a monumental impact, enriching lives and fostering meaningful relationships year after year. Thanks to the vision and commitment of Aaron and the entire company, I'm deeply grateful for the opportunity to be part of such transformative endeavors."

Palu Patel

"It was a lot of hard work, requiring long hours. However, being able to assist in accessing water and completing a well for the community was an incredible experience. Collaborating with Living Water International and the people of the community to set up the drill and complete the work was truly an honor. It was overwhelming to receive gratitude from both children, adults, and elders for our efforts."

Paul Dillon

"The well dedication ceremony was just really honoring. It was crazy to have both kids, adults, and elders thank us for what we did. The community probably gave us more respect than we even deserved. It was an honor to receive that from them."

Peter Padua

"I'm blown away at the thought that I work for an organization that not only allows trips like this but also knows that our company is really passionate and encourages us to be others-centered and to serve the community. I really enjoyed the way that God used me."

Raghuram Gatamaneni

"Growing up in India, I did not have running water until I was in 11th grade. When I heard about this trip, I thought it would be good for me to go and make a difference in somebody's life, and I really wanted to see smiles on people's faces."

Sheyanne Skala

"Our company is very intentional about choosing this trip because it brings together different people within our company. Even with different beliefs, we all come together with one shared belief: that everyone deserves clean and safe drinking water. We achieved this mission of giving that to the community and were able to give all thanks to God."

Tiffany Griffith

"The community welcomed us with open arms and they were excited to see us. They just seemed so happy, even though they didn't have much. I just felt pure love from the community... I'm looking forward to seeing how things change over time in my world as I continue to process this trip. I wanted to go on this trip because I wanted to grow my relationship with God. I wanted to see His miracles being performed and I wanted to serve His children. I'm always looking for volunteer opportunities to give back to those who are less fortunate. I'm so grateful for this opportunity that Triumph Financial gave us."

Wendy Andujo

"Having the opportunity to volunteer in Nicaragua has been one of the most amazing experiences in my life. Seeing the kids' faces when we finished the well was the greatest feeling. Spending time with the community, doing church activities, and eating together filled my heart. I loved teaching the kids hygiene classes for the use of water and creating trash cans for the community."?