Hello!

Friends and family, my heart is full of gratitude today. I'm turning 30 this fall, and I've never had to walk more than a few feet to get clean water. I've never seen a child die (or even sick) from unclean or unavailable water. I was able to attend years of schooling instead of spending hours walking to get the only water available--dirty water--for my family each day. I now spend time caring for my children, and I do not have to make miles-long trek from water each day. Unfortunately, many, many people around the world are not as lucky as you and me. Clean water--a simple necessity, which for years I've taken for granted--is not available to one in seven people in our world.

This fall I'm giving up some little luxuries to allow myself to contribute toward the clean water efforts in Ethiopia through the organization Charity Water. I'm also teaming up with some amazing people (with whom I will meet at a conference in November), and together we have a goal of raising $5,000 to go toward the cost of the equipment needed to drill for more clean water for people in Ethiopia. 100% of the money raised goes toward clean water for people in need!

This year, in celebration of my big 3-0, I'm asking my friends and family to donate to this very important cause in lieu of gifts. Even if you weren't going to buy me a gift, I sincerely hope you'll make a donation. Any amount is a perfect amount to give toward this very important cause! (And it's a simple, safe and quick process to donate through the site.)

If you are not familiar with this cause, please grab a kleenex and watch the video to the right. Together we can gather the resources to make a huge difference in the lives of our brothers and sisters in Ethiopia!

Please consider contributing if your heart and pocketbook so allow.

Cheers and well wishes,
Meghan