How sweet of my husband to be so supportive. How great of him to jump on board with my latest “pet project.” Between the two of us, we’ve even gotten our boys excited and they have started to tell their friends. We’re in this together, and we’re looking forward to being a part of this!
But I’m not sure about this newest idea my husband came up with. Who does he actually think I am, anyway? After 22 years of marriage, does he not know that I do have some limits? My inner spring chicken flew the coop more than a few years ago.
Yet, Matt said it so confidently, as if he didn’t even question my ability. I guess I should be honored? Sure thing.
So first things first, to catch you up on my inner conundrum: Our family is taking part in a 6K event with World Vision on May 6. Many of you have signed up to join, and if even more of you join, I will be so ridiculously happy.
This will mean clean water for people who normally have to walk 6K every single day just to get DIRTY water. The thought of this makes us sick, and knowing that our 6K efforts on May 6 will help provide people with a short walk for CLEAN water? Well, I’d walk 6K every day if it would keep the donations coming in.
My youngest saw this picture and was like, “Eeew. What is that?” and I had to tell him that it’s the dirty water kids are walking for miles to get for their families —>
My husband’s idea
Here’s what Matt said, and you guys, I am both amazed at his brilliance and terrified that I won’t be able to handle it.
“We need to do this the right way. When we go on this 6K walk, we’re going to take along a big jug, and map out a path that will take us 3K to a body of dirty water. We’re going to fill our jugs and walk back the final 3K with our full jugs. How else will we truly understand what these children face every day?”
So basically, I feel like a 43 year old baby. I wanted to argue, and even opened my mouth to do it. My hips, you know? My bad knee!
But the truth is that little tiny children, who are likely malnourished, walk this trek every single day just to collect a jug of dirty water for their families.
Dirty water.
Every day.
So we’re doing this thing.
Our family is walking the 6K for World Vision and we’re doing it with jugs of water. If this doesn’t make me appreciate the beautiful, pure water at my tap I’m not sure what will.
We’ll be live-streaming some of our journey via Facebook on May 6 so we can share more about our experience. I hope you’ll join us! And by that, I really mean that I hope you walk with us! (You can just walk it though. Jugs of dirty water are not a requirement.) :)
I’m extremely thankful our sons were so quick to join in with us, so we’ve got them signed up too. The beauty of how this 6K works is that you and I don’t have to be physically together to do this. You can sign up, then walk straight out your own door and do the walking in your own neighborhood.
So, May 6. Walk 6K for water. Join our virtual team. Why?
- Every day, people around the world walk an average of 6 kilometers (approximately 3.7 miles) in search of water, and that water is often contaminated with life-threatening diseases.
- World Vision provides safe water, sanitation and hygiene education to decrease illnesses, improve health and lessen the burden on women and children.
- Safe drinking water, improved sanitation, good hygiene and good water resource management can lead to a reduction in child mortality, cut transmission of malaria, improve public health and reduce extreme poverty.
Learn more here about World Vision’s water program here.
Want to do this with me?
Sign up here. Want to see part of our live journey on Facebook May 6? Like my page here.
Here’s to clean water for everyone!
Laura S says
How wonderful! I am sure this will be eye-opening for everyone.
I worked for World Vision for years. They are an amazing organization. I was never so proud as I was after seeing their projects in Kenya and Ethiopia in person. Every penny is carefully and wisely stewarded. Local leaders are trained and equipped. They honor the Lord in everything they do. You will be making a lasting difference. May God bless your family!
Jerrica says
I can’t even begin to tell you how much I love this! It will be hard. It will be eye-opening. It will be oh so worth it!
Linda says
That is awesome Laura! I pray God will sustain you, and multiply the effects of your efforts. Your husbands idea will surely draw people’s attention to such a worthy cause! God bless all of you :)
Jessica says
Awesome Laura! Just amazingly awesome :)