Sweet Sixteen
"I have always had this ridiculous notion that I have to do something “special” for my sixteenth birthday, a party or maybe a trip somewhere. I am from a family of nine, so such things aren’t done often, are usually cheap, and usually saved for particularly momentous birthdays. After a while, though, I started to think about how doing something like that wouldn’t have any real impact on anyone; the money would be gone in a flash. Even presents, which I don’t need, would be a waste. Instead of having sixteen candles; why not save sixteen lives from the horrors of drinking dirty water and possibly receiving the diseases contained therein?
I say all that not to sound holier-than-thou or pretentious: just the opposite in fact. It was one of my best birthdays ever. I didn’t miss the presents and despite saying that I didn’t want any, received a few anyway. I don’t have any right to complain or act righteous ever, either, because I have so much and others have so little. Its humbling to realize that what I give makes such a difference in other lives (at least I hope it does!). I appreciate that Blood:Water Mission has shown us that little amounts can make an impact.
Thanks also to Blood:Water Mission for inspiring me. I went to a Derek Webb concert a few years ago; Africa or other poverty-stricken continents were the furthest things from my mind. The things he said really left an impression on me, and since then I’ve been involved in various fundraising campaigns, and this semester I’m leading a high school prayer/social justice group. I’d also like to go work with AIDS/HIV orphans in Uganda or India after high school. You inspired me in the first place, and as a result my life has changed. Thank you!"
Sarah Edwards – Thousand Wells Project Donator
