Its about more than water

Spring break is around the corner for me and already here for Milligan College students across the street from Emmanuel's campus.  Since I work at Milligan's cafeteria (oh yeah...really putting that accounting degree to good use!), I've got a break from work this week.  The cafeteria has really been a blessing considering its right across the street and I get free meals since I work there.  And while it's nice to have a break from work (even though I look pretty good in a plastic apron!), 

this means I'll have to find another means for meals this week.  The cafeteria is convenient and due to my cooking skills--or lack there of-- it's definitely worked out pretty well for me!  But with the cafeteria closed, I'm going to have to stretch myself and actually go to the store and try and cook something...terrible things could happen! 

Convenience of water, along with so many other things (like food!), is something I take for granted in the States.  Yesterday, I washed clothes, washed dishes, showered, and drank water; and I never had to worry about running out, or whether or not it would lead to illness.  The following link describes the average day of a 23 year old Kenyan woman in Kenya's Northern Rift Valley (fairly close to where I'll be working in Turkana this summer). "In Sabina's Shoes" - Check out this article (Spring 2011) if you want a better idea about the living conditions for these people struggling to find clean water.  There's a video that documents an average day for a Kenyan mother and an American lady trying to handle these responsibilities for a day.

These women are around 100 lbs. and carry 70 lbs. of water on their backs for miles multiple times a day!  Since water retrieval is a responsibility for young women, many young girls are unable to go to school due to the time involved getting water for their families.  The woman in the article had to make this trip pregnant--even the day she gave birth!  And some of these young women never make it back...they are abducted and taken as wives, never to be seen again by their families.

Clean water acts as so much more than just prevention of illnesses...it brings hope!  It allows young girls opportunities for education!  It prevents young girls from being abducted from their families and treated as property!  And it offers convenience for many of these mothers to stay home with their families...a gift many of these people have never had. 

Please keep these people like Sabina in your prayers!  God is working miracles through various clean water projects in Kenya.  I am blessed to be able to have the opportunity this summer to help in some these projects.  Thank you for your prayers and support!

May God, our Father, spoil these people with the convenience of abundant clean water...as he's spoiled me and so many of us with similar conveniences and blessings in the States! 

Peace,