This week, things on the blog and on my social media are going to be looking a little bit different. It's because this week, we are being challenged together through the World Vision Matthew 25 Challenge. In case you missed it, here's how you can join! It's not too late to opt in. Simply text M25 to 44888 and join me across social media @msrachelteodoro and follow the #m25challenge.
"I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink." Today's challenge is to drink only water. Give up all beverages except water {yep, even coffee, sorry friends}.
Family challenge: take a walk to a local water source {a drainage pond, creek or puddle} and fill a plastic water bottle with the water you find there. Carry that bottle around with you today. This will be a great conversation starter at work or at school. Take the time to engage in conversation about the global water crisis.
photo 2017 World Vision/Jon Warren
Matthew 25 Challenge Day 2: Water is Life
Many people in poor communities have to walk-sometimes more than four miles each way to get water. This fact doesn't really sink in until you are faced with the reality of this. It's why when I traveled to Zambia that I wanted to take part in a water walk.
My new friend Molly shook her head when the World Vision staff asked her to take us on a water walk. The translator told us that she wouldn't wish this chore on anyone, especially her new guests, but we insisted.
I've never shared video from that day until now. Just watching it takes me back. You have no idea how heavy that 25-liter jug of water is until you haul it uphill over rocky terrain in the African heat. For the record, it's about 6 gallons and 50 pounds.
I had to stop several times to put the water jug down to rest. I asked Molly if she ever had to stop and she said no. It's a chore woman want to get over as quickly as possible and yet it still takes hours out of their day.
Here are some of my thoughts on the water walk on one of my rest stops.
There is an old African proverb that says water is life and it is indeed. Clean water can cut a communities child mortality rate in half. It means food for families whose crops are failing due to drought. It saves livestock. It gives parents a powerful way to improve the health, hygiene and well being of their children and enable them to reach their God-given potential.
It's a difficult story that seems unimaginable, but it has a happy ending!
As a mom, when I meet children who are the same ages as my own three kids, I can't help but pay attention to them. I know they wouldn't last a day in the villages I've visited in Africa in particular, but one girl stood out to me. It was 13-year-old Nerott who, at the time, was the same age as my daughter. She had just done the walk for water that I showed you in the video {she lived in the same community as Molly} and she was starting her long walk to school. Nerott walks about 9.3 miles {one way!} to school.
I'm beyond encouraged to know that the water crisis can end in our lifetime! World Vision is bringing clean water to one new person every 10 seconds. Click here to learn more about the water effect.
How did it feel to drink only water today?
Don't forget to join in and share your experience from the challenge today. Use #M25challenge to find, follow and post on social media.
No comments
Post a Comment