Ed Scharlau's -- Reflections on Rural Ethiopia

Adjusting to being in Ethiopia was swift and sudden. With a snap of my fingers things that seem important in my life became quite unimportant:

            - the political season of America did not matter

            - Business news and the things of Wall Street disappeared

            - as a matter of fact money took on a whole different consideration.

What mattered was, fresh water when abject poverty was in my face.  And when I considered water and money, I know that if either is stagnant it is toxic and of no use -- it must flow for good things to happen.

What mattered was the fact that my neighbors who do not have fresh water are in survival mode.  In rural Ethiopia, for the wells and spring protection systems funded through Water to Thrive (W2T), we have reduced walk time for fresh water by one half.  We are making a difference with the elimination of water borne diseases, children are going to school, home industries are starting and we have very grateful friends.  These rural Ethiopians daily thank God and those who provided funds.  Consistently those who now have access to clean fresh water asked our consideration for their neighbors a village or two away.  These rural Ethiopia family farmers are hard working, friendly and so very happy to see us whether we visited a completed water point or a site under consideration for funding.  Children would run just to wave at us as we traveled in our four wheel drive vehicle and while walking they would join our walk and at every glance -- a big smile.  Their heartfelt smiles of appreciation affected me greatly and the message was clear.   And you know this senior citizen who grew up on a farm and spent a 35 year career in business recalled many things of my past.  Water --  is oh so very precious.  It sustains all of life. 

Adjusting to my return to American was welcoming but harder (filled with how can more be done?)  and quick reflections are:

            - spread the word at every opportunity (mission strategy)

            - do not be bashful in encouraging generosity of  blessings (tactic)

Our consistent commitment to all is to promise you transparency, integrity and accountability for our projects.  As an aside, our W2T board of directors were all in Ethiopia at the same time.  That was special too.  We have an awesome God.  The evidence was clear in this life saving and changing work. 

Sometimes I'd like to ask God
why he allows poverty, famine and
injustice in the world
when he could do something about it.....
But, I'm afraid God might ask me
the same question.
Anonymous

Life is not measured in the number of breaths you take,

it is measured in the number of times your breath has been taken away. 

Ed Scharlau