Last summer I had the opportunity to visit Ethiopia with my family and the Charity:Water organization. I observed the building of wells and I learned a lot about the culture and life style in this African country. I witnessed the progress they are making in health education; I learned how the nurses teach prenatal information and how they help the mothers with home birthing. I also observed some grade school classrooms. During this visit, I noticed that most of the schools didn't have bathrooms, desks, chalkboards, books, PE equipment, etc.

The most shocking was to learn how people survive without indoor plumbing or clean water. I went to see the watering holes, which are the main way villagers get their water. Many of the watering holes were really muddy, as well as bug and disease infested. Many villagers had to bath in this dirty water or share their watering holes with animals. Many of the women spend most of their day carrying Jerry cans filled with dirty water to their homes; this water is used for personal hygiene and for cooking.This impacted me the most; it made me so sad!

I got to see the process of turning dirty water into clean water. This process happens by digging holes to build wells. While I was in Ethiopia, I realized that not only can people like my dad make an impact with their donations, but that I too can make an impact in this way.

This year for their fifth Birthday, Charity:Water is asking people to donate money towards a drilling rig so they can make drilling for clean water go faster. For my Birthday - PLEASE DONATE $24 toward this amazing cause. It would mean so much to me!!!!


PS. Last week Scott, Charity:Water Founder was staying at my house working on his new September campaign...I encourage YOU to watch this new video. Thanks