40 Day Fast - Water Aid
By LeslieBrooke | July 3, 2008
This post is part of the 40 Day Fast, a collaborative effort by 80 bloggers to draw attention to the world’s great needs hosted by Inspired to Action. Be sure to also check out Tim’s post today as well.
The first time I ever heard of Water Aid was back in the summer of 2006 when Rob Bell came through on his “Everything Is Spiritual” speaking tour. All proceeds of this tour went to a civic organization called Water Aid. At the time, I had no idea who they were or what type of work they did other than the quite obvious “water aid”. I assumed that they helped those without clean water get clean water, but I had no idea about the way they went about accomplishing this mission.
What I learned was incredible. Water Aid describes itself as an International charity whose mission is to overcome poverty by enabling the world’s poorest people to gain access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene education. Water Aid began in the United Kingdom in 1981, with Prince Charles as their President. Today they are one of the most respected charities that deal solely with water, sanitation and hygiene issues.
One of the most surprising things that I learned about the way Water Aid works is how they involve the community and the technologies that they use to bring clean water. They aim to use technology that is low cost, easily bought and transported to their community, and easy to maintain and operate. Communities are also required to be a part of every step in the process that is required to build the water source. This creates a deep sense of ownership for the project and compels the community to care for it and keep it running properly. All this means is that later on, if there is a problem with the water source, it doesn’t go unfixed. The community knows where to get the parts, and how to fix it.
Water Aid now works in 17 countries in Asia, Africa, and the Pacific region. While they help communities build wells and water systems they also place strong emphasis on education about sanitation and hygiene. On their website they make resources available for free that teach primary and secondary schools about water around the world. There are several opportunities to get involved as well, from corporate sponsorship to volunteer opportunities.
If you are interested in finding out more about Water Aid, please click through and take 13 minutes to watch the video linked below. There are also several more informative and inspiring videos on their website.
Although Water Aid is not a religious ministry, the work that they do is most definitely reaching out to the least of these.
For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ “The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’ Matthew 25:35-40
Topics: Faith, Social Justice | 8 Comments »
My Ink Story
By LeslieBrooke | June 28, 2008
For a long time I’ve wanted a tattoo, and yesterday I got my chance. With a little help from Chris (who we’ve been visiting in Atlanta) we headed down to Psycho Tattoo and I went under the needle. Here it is:
I chose this design and location for several reasons. I’ve always been a fan of butterflies and the symbolism they have in reference to 2 Corinthians 5:17. However, with all the events in our life over the last 8 years, it’s come to mean so much more than this. To me a butterfly is a life that has changed from one form to another. Many of you know that we’ve suffered 4 miscarriages in our marriage. The butterfly is a perfect representation of the life that began in us, and is now in a completely new form in heaven.
Though I thought about a wrist placement, we talked about the back and decided that it would be more appropriate. Though it’s something in our lives that we will never forget, it is in our past and all we can do from here is move forward. Having it on the back shows that those experiences are behind us, yet they are a permanent part of our lives.
So, that’s my story, do you have a tat story?
Topics: All About Me, Baby, Family, Love & Marriage, Personal Stuff | 4 Comments »
The Price of Rice - The Global Food Crisis
By LeslieBrooke | June 18, 2008
So, what did you have for dinner last night? Me? I went to a local restaurant with a group of friends and my bill when I walked away was $30 for two people. Sadly, I didn’t hesitate for a second in my decision to go spend that kind of money on one meal. Next time, I will.
When I got home I saw the topic for the Compassion bloggers. The Global Food Crisis. Something I’ve heard about but not really taken the time to understand. Reading about it was eye opening. Apparently, some of the poorest who survive on less than $2 per day are forced to spend 80% of that money on food due to the rising costs. If they don’t they will starve - and many are. Can you imagine? Actually starving because you can’t afford rice? This is not okay. It’s not okay. Not okay.
Compassion is doing something about it. On June 25th they are holding “A Day of Fasting and Prayer” to raise awareness for those suffering, and to raise funds to provide food for them. Please click the link above and read about it for yourself. Watch this video. Add the widget to your blog, and join in the day with me and many others around the world. If you save money fasting that day, it’d be great if you would donate it to the Compassion Global Food Crisis Fund.
Topics: Faith, Finances, Food, Social Justice | 5 Comments »
Awesomeness in Person
By LeslieBrooke | June 17, 2008
Renee’ is one of my best friends. Next to my husband, she is who I spend the most of my time with. We are similar in so many ways, and when we first started hanging out together we just hit it off and grew close very quickly.
As of last night, she has a blog (I finally wore her down!!). She’s brand new to this thing called blogging, and it would be great if you would pop over to her blog and encourage her! She has tons to say, she’s a beautiful poet and, though she says she can’t, I know she can write things that will be worth hearing.
So, thanks Renee’ for being such a great friend! So, did I mention how AWESOME she is?
Topics: Friends | 4 Comments »