ripples

I knew that Water for Christmas was going to be big.
I knew that once people heard, and understood, how little it would take, that they would get on board.

But my head never did let my heart completely in on it, until tonight.
Jody's husband, Andy, and his band were playing in Davenport, at The Redstone Room. Andy knew that The Redstone Room would probably let us set up a Water for Christmas table, while they played, and they did.

We were so excited to be there.
And excited to see if people would partner with us to bring fresh water wells to Liberia.


As I was setting up the table, a nice looking young man took his post at the door. He works there on the weekends, to make a little money. He smiled our direction, on more then one occasion, and finally came over. He asked what we were doing. I was so excited to tell him about WFC, that I probably said too much, bubbled out too many facts, made his head spin.

But that's not what happened at all.

He looked at me, and said, "That is so cool! This is huge, and totally doable! It makes me sick how much money we spend on dumb things. I will totally donate, as soon as I get some money tonight."

I said thank you, surprised, a bit, by his enthusiasm, but skeptical of his intentions. There was no way that this kid was going to give up his hard earned money for water. No way.

A very short time later he walked back by, and said, "You know what? I'm just going to do it now. This is so great. I can't wait!"

He put $20 in the bowl.

$20.

A life.

I was a bit overwhelmed by his graciousness, and spent the rest of the evening telling friends about his sacrifice. After all, he is just a kid, who has a job on the weekends, to make a few bucks.

Pretty soon, close to midnight, I believe, I was getting ready to pack up the table, when the very same kid walked up the stairs.
He said, "Here's some more money." and left another $20 in the bowl.

A kid.
Working for a few extra bucks,
gave.

And because of him,
people will live.

Ripples.

My heart is overflowing with thankfulness.
People gave,
and more people will have fresh, clean water.

But you know what?
It's not enough.

We can do more. Lots more.

As my friend says,
give out of your poverty, not your wealth.

Make the sacrifice.

It is worth it. People are worth it.

(Thanks Shawn, for opening your heart, and your wallet, may you be richly blessed indeed.)