My birthday is almost here and although I am not known to want to make a big deal about it, a lot has happened in my life since I turned 33, giving me reason to celebrate this past year! Throughout my 33 (almost 34 years now), I have lived somewhat of a sheltered life, never going without the things that I have needed or wanted. I always had a heart for those that were in need but always felt that the problem was too big to make a difference, so I did not even try. It wasn't until I went on a missions trip (for the first time) to Africa that I really felt like I could have a meaningful impact in the lives of others.

Seeing the work being done by our team and partner organizations really brought things into perspective. Although the problems around the world seem so big, just the smallest gifts can affect change by giving hope and improving lives. To see that doing without life's luxuries here, could help others survive half a world away, really made me question my priorities. My tipping point was when I saw children of a Ugandan slum, filling water jugs out of the sewer as they had no where else to go.

After returning home from this trip, my church, Brentwood, showed a video promo for a charity organization, Charity Water. Charity Water's mission is to bring clean water to the people around the world. Although the goal sounds so simple the approach to raising this money was somewhat radical. Donate your birthday to bring water to those in need!

There are millions of kids around the world that don't live to see their fifth birthday because they don't have access to clean, safe drinking water. I am asking for your help to change that! I am asking all of my friends and family to donate my age in dollars (34) to this cause. Every penny of the money raised will directly fund clean water projects in developing countries. 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 know the locations and names of the communities we helped.

Help me reach my goal, help blow past this goal, but above all else, know this is not about me or my birthday, this is about opening your heart to the needs of others!

UPDATE 5/12/2013: I am so proud to announce that my sister, Dad and step Dad have all decided to donate their birthdays as well to this cause!