There aren't many things in life that I really want. I don't think I'm very materialistic. Things in my house don't cost much. The things that matter most to me involve a memory or a loved one. These things aren't very valuable to others, but extremely valuable to me.
That is until this weekend. Last night at our team dinner, Brian (the director of Team World Vision for our area) mentioned a hero medal. This is a medal that finishers will get if they raise $3,000 and bring clean water to 60 kids.
I want that medal.
I REALLY want that medal!
I thought about it today, and I was asking myself "Is this just something that looks cool that I can hang on my wall? Why do I want this 'THING' so much?!"
I was kind of upset with myself for getting so materialistic all of a sudden, but then I realized why. I want this medal because it means I did something beyond myself, I did something for someone else! I've spent so much of my life focusing on myself, and now I'm realizing that there is this legacy I can leave behind. These kids will never know my name. They will never know that I ran/walked to bring them clean water. It means nothing to them.
Well, not nothing, because it means life!
These kids will no longer have to miss school to get clean water. They will no longer have to fight off mud, animals, disease, etc to get clean water. They will no longer live in fear of being kidnapped and sold to human trafficking while fetching water. There is a safety that comes with clean water, and having a clean water source close to your home.
Our speaker last night told us stories of girls being raped or sold to older men while they were out getting water for their families. These girls had to walk anywhere from 6-12 kilometers each way and face all sorts of dangers. I want to be a part of giving these girls a new life. I want to bring water to them. I want them to be able to go to school, be a kid, focus on studies. I want them to grow past 10 years old. I want them to never have to worry about clean water for their children. I want to be a part of something bigger.
It's not about me, it's not even about the medal. It's about changing lives. I want to be a part of that.
Nichole Nordeman has a great song called "Legacy." Her lyrics include "I want to leave a legacy, how will they remember me?" This song rings in my head. I don't have kids. I may never be married. Sometimes I wonder about the life I'll leave behind. But then I think about the love I'll leave behind.
Running/walking for Team world vision is a part of my legacy. Giving kids clean water is my legacy. Sharing about the Village of Hope and the children who need sponsorships, that's my legacy. Loving the youth here in the US and around the world is my legacy. I want to be remembered for doing something greater, for giving to something greater. Thank you for helping me to live and leave this legacy!
I don't have $3,000 to give on my own, but you have helped me to reach this goal! As of this moment we have raised $1877 and brought clean water to 37 kids, which is awesome because that's my age! I still have a week to make my $3000 goal. Thank you for investing in this cause and for giving to these children. You are helping to wipe out the water crisis in Africa!
If you haven't donated yet, will you prayerfully consider making a donation here?
Thank you for joining me on this journey, for loving these kids, and for leaving a legacy!
Love,
Carly
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