Earlier tonight I needed to do the dishes, so I turned on the faucet to wait for the water to get hot. Then unexpectedly my doorbell rang, so I went downstairs to answer it. It was just one of my piano kids wanting to tell me about his upcoming orchestra Christmas concert. We chatted about that for a while, then talked about the Jazz, and how the Orem Tiger freshman basketball team was doing, and I watched him take a few 3-point shots in the driveway.
There is nothing ugly about any of those interactions with good old Josh, but I am a bit ashamed to admit that after ten minutes or so I went back upstairs to find that, duh, I had left the water running. At a pretty full blast. And I was overwhelmed with the feeling that I am a spoiled, privileged, takes-things-for-granted American girl, who just lets something quite precious go to waste. I couldn't help but imagine the devastation on the faces of people in third world countries if they saw those gallons and gallons of clean, fresh, drinkable water just gushing down the drain. There are millions of people who are willing to walk miles and miles or carry more than their muscles should be able to or pay ridiculous prices they can't come close to affording just to get some clean water into their bodies. And there I was, completely careless about what I was throwing away, fully expecting that whenever the whim strikes me, I can turn a little knob and all the water I could care to use will inevitably come flowing out.
My friend Judy has a goal of building a water project in a third world country every year for the rest of her life. Last year her efforts helped establish a water system in Nueva Concepción, Guatemala, bringing fresh water to 367 people. This year the target is San Luis Potosí, México. It is the home of the Huichole people, and it is extremely dry and water is scarce. The aim is to build a project consisting of three water cisterns and an animal corral structure with a roof that will harvest rainwater. As you might imagine, these things do not come free.
In this time of giving thanks for our abundant blessings--and I think I can safely assume that the internet access allowing you to read this post would automatically categorize you among the blessed--please take a moment to consider those many many people who lack the basic necessities vital to survival. I realize that there are many causes and charities that could use your support, and especially at this time of year, it is easy to be bogged down by requests for help. But imagine for a moment that you can't just turn that knob and get a drink of water. If you would like to learn more about the water project or make a donation, please click the button below to find out more, including details about how to help.
