On May 14, I'm turning 19.

This is pretty crazy to me.. Instead of thinking about what I'm going to do this summer with my friends, I think about what I'm going to do with my life... It is a strange, some time scary feeling to know that the decisions I make now could effect my life forever, but for my birthday this year I am not asking for gifts, or money for my self. I want to do something that will change someones else's life forever.

What does it really matter anyway? Another gift? Another watch? or check? On May 15th I will still be me just one year older with some cool stuff. This year I want my Birthday to really count for something! Think about this. - While I could be going to dinner spilling water on my clumsy self, spending stupid amounts of money on food that will be recycled only hours after I eat. millions of people are doing their best to live it up because many don't live to see their fifth birthday. This is a heart wrenching thought for me. No one makes it out alive, so lets do something that has the power to echo the Gospel to the nations!

So this year I will not just be making decisions that effect my life, but I'm making a decision that will effect many others around the world, to give up my birthday and all its goodies, and give it to the ones who need it. To give clean water.

I'm asking for $19 from everyone I know -- and every penny of the money raised will go directly to fund clean water projects in developing nations. Even better, charity: water will show us exactly which projects we funded once they've been fully completed (which takes about 18 months). That means we'll be able to see the communities we've helped!

My goal is to raise $5,500 by my birthday, May 14, 2012.

Please help me make this birthday count.

All the best,

Jeff S.