small way to make a big difference

My friend Erin over at Filling My Patch of Sky has been raising awareness about the water crisis in Africa and how to help. She has been highlighting the work of the Blood:Water Mission, which was founded by the band Jars of Clay to help in the HIV/AIDS crisis in Africa. Clean water was quickly found to be a vital way to support AIDS victims to lead longer, stronger lives. Now their efforts are helping many Africans who face a crisis of obtaining safe, clean water. One dollar provides one African enough water to drink for an entire year. Just a little sacrifice to help others goes a long way!

Blood:Water Mission has a campaign beginning Feb. 17 called 40 Days of Water. The challenge is to make water the beverage of choice for 40 days, and then donate the money you would have spent on milk, juice, soda, or other beverages to help provide water for those in need. Click on over to Erin's blog to find out more about it.

My husband and I talked to our kids and they enthusiastically jumped at the opportunity. After doing a little research on their website, our family decided to start with the 2 week campaign. Starting this Friday, the four oldest members of our family will be drinking only water for 2 weeks, and donating what we save to Blood:Water Mission. It's a sacrifice that will take a bit of self-discipline. However, it will help us appreciate the luxury we have in turning on a tap with clean water (not to mention the myriads of other beverage choices) while allowing us the privilege of helping others.

For more information, check out this link:

http://www.bloodwatermission.com/take-action/campaigns/2-weeks-of-sacrifice.php

Want to join in? Let me know and we'll do this together! I'll provide updates with our progress.