Yesterday was Thanksgiving here in the US.  I awoke to prepare a feast.  Two Turkey's, one ham and all of the side dishes that go with our families traditional meal.  I put in a load of laundry, a dial to set the temperature and push of a button and water filled my washing machine.  Next I showered for the day, a simple dial and fresh warm water came forth.  I entered my kitchen to began my food preparation.  I turned a faucet handle and warm water at the pressure I desired, came into my sink.  I then filled my glass and drank deeply of the fresh, cold water I desired to quench my thirst. As I moved about my kitchen it hit me that I had just used more water in less than an hour, than a Zambian family would use all day.

I did not walk 4-5 miles to get my water. I did not have wonder if it was clean and with out germs. I did not have to ration the water, it flowed in abundance. 

I had all of the clean, pure water at my finger tips and it comes with the expectation that it would be there for me, any time I needed it.

Today, 9000 miles away from where I live, villages of about 1000 people, 800+ are children have no easy access to water. Once a day a woman will walk 5 miles to the nearest well to gather 5 gallons of water for her daily needs.  She will carry that 5 gallon container home on her head, one gallon of water weighs 8.33 lbs. 40 lbs, with a baby on her back is carried to her hut.  The water she carries is contaminated but it is her water source, her only water.

 Christmas is upon us.  In 3 weeks my kitchen will repeat a feast preparation.  I will add to that preparation gifts for those I love.  But what will be different is that we will include a Zambian village 9000 miles away with water!  I write this in hopes that those who read this blog might join me in this effort to make a difference in just one village.  Just one.  I cannot take on the world, but I can work toward helping those who live in such a remote area that the government does not want to bother with them.

We will forgo a scarf, an ugly tie, a box of chocolates, a game or some 'what can I get' gift, for the person who needs nothing' and put our money to change lives.  I want little girls like this to have clean fresh water, to not have to walk miles with her mother to get dirty water, that will keep her sick.  I want her to be healthy because her garden will grow vegetables.  I want her to not be part of the poverty cycle that will eventually take her life. We can make a difference!!


One well, start to finish in the Western Provence of Zambia costs $5000.  That breaks down to $5.00 a person!  This $5.00 is not just an open the package gift, it is a gift of life, of transforming life.  Water changes everything for these people.  Diseases are avoided, hygiene can take place, gardens can be watered,  meaning there are vegetables to eat!  A better life for those who will delight in the gift of water.  Apart from air, water is the essence of life!  What would do if you had no water?

http://www.handsofhopeonline.org/   will give you the opportunity to help.  As you buy for those who have so much, think about gifting them by giving to another.  Make a little girl's life better by helping to get her water.  The children in your life will love that you care about another who has nothing.  Share the story and allow them to help too.   When you give this way you are forever changed as you change the life of another.  http://www.handsofhopeonline.org/

"What we do for ourselves dies within us. What we do for others and the world remains and is immortal.  Albert Pine