2011 Archive

2011 has been an amazing and inspiring year at WATERisLIFE – filters, hygiene clinics and wells around our world.  We must continue our work, and we need you – our generous donors – who believe in making a direct impact with your dollars to help provide clean water in 2012.  Please take a few moments and consider partnering with WATERisLIFE in 2012, as your thoughtful gift will drastically change the life of someone next year.  Your donation will go directly to provide personal water filters, teach Hygiene Clinics and  provide long term, sustainable clean water sources to those in great need.  Our work will continue in villages in Ghana, Kenya and Haiti in 2012, as well as distributing filters to countries all over the world.

Each filter donated will provide clean water for up to one year – and in addition, WATERisLIFE works to provide hygiene education and long term clean water sources to transform lives – and communities.  Please be inspired to target your end of the year giving to make a direct impact in 2012 – and provide the gift of life.

All Gifts must be postmarked or made online by Dec. 31st to ensure your gift is tax deductible this year.

WATERisLIFE is a 501(c) 3 TAX ID #26-4470550.

Donate online http://www.waterislife.com/about/donations Or mail to:

WATERisLIFE
HEADQUARTERS

P. O. Box 7481

Edmond, Oklahoma 73083-7481
.

Thank you for your support and changing lives in 2012 – your donation will truly make a difference in the lives of others.

Ken Surritte, Founder

WATERisLIFE.com

www.facebook.com/joinwaterislife

by Mark Bender

Can you even imagine spending 4, 5, or even 6 hours a day just to get a drink of water?  And knowing you may get sick from that water? I’m sure you’ve heard the story before or seen it on TV – maybe even have seen it first hand.  The fact is, the problem is real, water shortages and contamination impact people all over the world.

I consider myself lucky, not only do I have plenty of clean water, I get it whenever I need it.  I have been fortunate to participate in several trips to villages, schools and churches in Haiti, Ghana and Kenya.  I have seen the impacts of water problems and the impacts of helping them solve those problems.

Traveling to these places and working with them is my passion and calling.  I think it’s where I fit into the solution.  I thrive on the relationships, helping them develop and implementing the solution and seeing the transformation.  I am a hands on type of guy, I like drilling wells, building filtration systems, installing a piping system from a spring, you know, building stuff.  Whether its filter distribution or health, hygiene and sanitation training, or developing a long-term sustainable solution, I am making a difference.

I have helped distribute filters in communities being devastated by Cholera and dysentery in Haiti – and seen them live through the epidemic.

I have taught health and hygiene to school kids in Kenya – and see them learning and then teaching their parents.

I have drilled wells and repaired pumps in Kenya and Haiti – and witnessed the community transform.

I have made friends in many parts of the world.

These kinds of things are not for everybody, but… Where do you fit in? Give that question some thought.  It’s not always easy to answer.  The good news is there is no right or wrong answer – except to do nothing.  The 30.THiRTY project is an excellent opportunity to do something.

The WateisLife $30 in thirty days - 30. THiRTY project provides an opportunity for people like me and you, to help those far less fortunate than us.  These donations will go directly to specific villages in Haiti, Ghana and Kenya in 2012.  Where do you fit in next year?

Our gratitude to more WiL 30. THiRTY donors.  Your donation will be put into action in 2012!

Ryan Jimison, Mark Ziegentuss, Jane Delong, Michael Terry, Ken Surritte, Lynne French, Bagley Media, Adrienne Skillern, Jenny Cline, Becky White, Debra Clark, John Martin, Jennifer Johnson, Penny Tilley, Pam Ittner, Robert Poreda, Linda Freeman, Donald Wilson, Jackie VanDyke, Shelly Hornback, Kim Bellingrath, Michelle Simpkins, Adriana Sandoval, Stphanie Whitley, Jordan and Kyle Gingg, Zach Sikes, Jason Sanders, Nate Schaus, Robert Henshaw, Deb Clements, viagra Fine, Tyler Hayes, Dale Surritte, Peter Tinsley, Lisa and KC Gingg…and you?

I Would Like You to Meet Maureene.

This is Maureene Adhiambo. Maureene lives in Kidiju, Kenya – near Kisumu.  Her mother has died, and she is now living with her Aunt Gaudencia where she is helping to care for 7 children.  She has dreams of being a journalist one day.

Maureen spends a majority of her day cooking and fetching water from a bore hole.  The borehole is not sealed or covered. As she pulls the water out of the hole with her rope – I can see the muscles in her upper body tighten.  When the bore hole dries up she fetches water from a pond – which is also for the cattle that roam in and out of the body of water.

Maureen has written an oral narrative in my journal – very thoughtful, inspiring with deep meaning and song. The story is a metaphor using gardens and flowers – as it relates to the continuous spread of AIDS.

She longs to continue her education and be a television journalist.  To give Maureen the opportunity to achieve this dream – we must bring clean water to her and her village.  The water in the bore hole is contaminated and carries bacteria which can cause sickness and disease.

This young woman has strength, determination, humor, and intelligence.  She is bold in what she stands for.  We want to give her that chance to be the woman of her dreams.

With your $30. THiRTY donation – we can help bring clean water to many young people that have dreams and hopes for their future…one by one.

Please take a few minutes and donate your $30.  You can change a life next year.  Maybe it’s Maureen’s.   http://www.waterislife.com/about/donations

DECEMBER 1 – DECEMBER 30

Donate $30 in THiRTY days - December 1 thru December 30 - to raise $100,000 to bring clean drinking water to villages in desperate need.  When 3,333 people (yes, one is you) donate $30 in the next THiRTY days, we will directly make an impact, save lives and transform villages in Kenya, Ghana and Haiti in 2012.

With your end of the year donation – together we will raise $100,000 to provide clean water to villages in 2012.

100% of donations go directly to the field & provide clean water solutions.   WATERisLIFE will bring clean water to schools & villages to save and transform lives in 2012 – an investment worth making!

What a great gift you will give in THiRTY days.  Life.

DONATE TODAY   http://www.waterislife.com/about/donations

$30 in THiRTY Days.  Make your donation & watch your dollars in direct action!

Photos courtesy J.T. Elbracht Photograpy

WE HEART CHRISTMAS!  With Open Hearts and Homes to Share the Spirit and Sparkle of Christmas.

Verrado, Arizona Christmas Home Tour to benefit WATERisLIFE

Sunday, December 11, 2011   4 – 8 p.m.

Purchase tickets online  http://www.weheartchristmas.com

Her name is Mayline, and she is an orphan….

Our team in Haiti had just finished grinding corn that would be given to the poor in Limbe on Sunday. Six-year-old Mayline had gathered up some ground corn that had spilled out of the bags and onto the ground. She took her little bag of corn over to a mud puddle and began mixing a handful of corn with water from the mud puddle. While she was mixing I asked her what she was making, she replied “cornbread”.

After grinding the corn we had returned to our project of well drilling in the compound. Later that day, Mayline came up to me and asked if I was hungry and if I wanted some food. She then reached into her little bag and pulled out a handful of…well…cornbread. I humbly accepted.

We go into the field with the hope of transforming communities with our gift of clean water solutions and wherever there is need we sacrifice ourselves. But throughout this process we receive so much more than we give. And in the end it is I who am truly being transformed. – Chuck Cline, WiL Volunteer

Has anyone ever stopped to take a single moment out of their life to think about what water really is?

Besides it being a molecule that contains one oxygen and two hydrogen atoms connected by covalent bonds, lets think about how we use it in our daily lives. Like for instance, yesterday I got up and brushed my teeth (water), used the restroom (water), made some breakfast (water), started a load of laundry (water), and did the dishes (water). Now that is just one typical morning and I used the resource of (water) over 5 times, but more importantly the most critical (water) source was that I was able to get up and drink a clean glass of water.

Did you know that water covers 70.9% of the Earth’s surface and it is vital for ALL known forms of LIFE? Safe drinking water is essential for all humans and other life forms.

After working with WATERisLIFE I have been thinking how crucial it is to have clean water. Even though clean water has improved and is more prevalent over the last couple of decades we forget about those who are still suffering. There are still over 1 billion people who lack clean drinking water and over 2.5 billion who lack access to sanitation.

With the vision of WATERisLIFE there is HOPE, by reaching out to those in destitute conditions and distributing filtration straws and drilling wells allowing them to have clean running water.

I have a hard time thinking what I can do for WATERisLIFE, I feel so small to tackle so much suffering but all it takes is one heart and one choice to help those in need. Whether it’s choosing to simply cut out StarBucks each week and instead putting that money towards WIL so that they may be able to buy more equipment for the wells would be a good start. Or choose to volunteer my free time to help raise money for the organization, or choose to donate one straw or 10,000 straws there is always something I CAN DO TO HELP. The most important thing that I have to remember is that choosing to sacrifice something big or small, I am still making a DIFFERENCE in others lives.

John 15:13

“Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.”

When I was in Haiti for two months with a WATERisLIFE field team, there were many things I got to experience. While I was there, I learned so much about the culture and people of Haiti and made many friends. During my stay I remember a hand dug water well that was near our home, and it was covered with a piece of broken plywood – it was contaminated and kids, just like me, were getting sick. At that moment I thought to myself, “That is why I am here. I am not here to say I went to Haiti; I am not here just to come and visit. I was here to make a difference.”

And that is what I did.

I went to Haiti not really sure what to expect. But once I arrived, I met the kids at the orphanage, went to villages to do hygiene clinics, and we passed out 1000s of WiL filters, and we fit right in.

I know that I left Haiti a new person and ready to help more people, so I will continue working with WATERisLIFE, and help bring clean water to children – just like me – all over the world.  – Livvie B., 12 years old

Thank you to the Owasso Team for making a difference in our world this week!  Your commitment and determination to help others is greatly appreciated.  Hope to see you on another WiL adventure again!

The final WATERisLIFE Haiti teams are departing Haiti tomorrow.  Two wells have been drilled, WiL filters distributed, friendships formed – and a future vision to help 36 communities in Northern and Central Haiti in partnerships with Grace Missions.  The teams were led by WiL Director of Water Programs, Mark Bender – with many support staff and volunteers working hard toward a project of sustainability and hope.  Thank you to Eugene Enns and all in support of Grace Missions, Paul and Belle Romeus, Ray and Bonnie Vanslyke and family, The Gingg Family, Buckeye Police Department, Freedom Church in Owasso, OK, WATERisLIFE Volunteer Staff Chuck and Jenny Cline and all the volunteers that sacrificed their time and support to make this trip possible.  Next Haiti project already in the planning!

If you have a minute take a look at the special on WiL on the TV show Found Causes.

Found Causes Episode 03 from DALE EPPERSON on Vimeo.

I recently spoke to an awesome group of Oklahoma State University students who are a part of Engineers Without Boarders. They have just returned from Honduras and have had great success with helping them to build bio sand filter systems. Check out their video!

THANK YOU TO 14 VERY SPECIAL BROWNIES!

Dear WATERisLIFE;

Our Brownie Troop is very aware of the devastation in Japan. They really wanted to help Japan and each of our 14 girls have donated $10 worth of their cookie sale troop proceeds to help Japanese children who need clean drinking water. Our girls have made a poster to hang at school to get the word out to everyone for help.

WAY TO GO TROOP 60795!

Thank you for your caring heart and willingness to help others.

We are very proud of you!

WATERisLIFE and MODERN REPUBLIC introduce the WiL Collection for WORLD WATER DAY.  Everyday water related diseases claim the lives of 5000 children under the age of five. What can be done to change that staggering statistic? This jewelry line has been designed for WATERisLIFE by Modern Republic and together we are  taking on the global water crisis and working everyday to change the fate of these children.

Each item purchased from this collection will provide one water straw to a child in need.

Today 1.1 billion people do not have access to clean drinking water and 1.8 million people will die this year due to waterborne diseases – Typhoid, Cholera, Dysentery and Diarrhea.

Show your WATERisLIFE support and visit www.modernrepublic.etsy.com to see which pieces are the must haves to hang around your neck or carry as part of your life’s keys!

At least 350 people are dead and hundreds missing after a tsunami caused by a huge 8.9-magnitude quake devastated north-east Japan.  WATERisLIFE is working with Senator Inhofe’s (OK) office to bring thousands of personal water filters to Japan to provide immediate clean water needs.

WE NEED YOUR HELP TO RAISE THE FUNDING TO SEND FILTERS NOW.  The filters will be directed by current aid programs being initiated by International Relief and Development office and USAID.

Please join us and make a donation – and help those in dire need of basic clean water over the next few weeks.  http:/www.waterislife.com/about/donations/

Read more:  http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/03/13/japan-earthquake-death-toll-food-water-electricity_n_835096.html

WATERisLIFE FILTER DISTRIBUTION IN SOUTH SUDAN THIS WEEK!

“Something truly amazing happened this week in Batey Lecherica in the Dominican Republic.  It wasn’t the new permanent water system in which WaterIsLife assisted in the design and construction.  It wasn’t just the filter distribution or hygiene education classes – it was something more meaningful and powerful.   The residents of this impoverished village stepped well beyond their history of individualism, self-preservation and sometimes selfishness to unite and work together as a team for the benefit of the entire village.  Existing leaders in the community were actually ”in the trenches” doing the work with their fellow residents.  And other residents emerged as new community leaders in the construction of the water project.  And still other residents worked tirelessly for the benefit of their community and neighbors.   Given the difficult history and culture of this small impoverished village … that was nothing short of amazing.”  - WATERisLIFE Water Projects Team;  Mark Bender, Chuck Cline and JT Elbracht.  WaterisLife has a lot to be proud of … a lot more than just great water pipes!

“WiL water project is going exceptionally well here in Batey Lecheria.  We have moved the community so far down the path of ownership and responsibility.  They have responded so well  to this whole project.  There is a total of 15 people from the community working and making wages.  Rossanna (community leader), Ramon (community vice leader) and Tony (community plumber) are leading the local effort.  There is a feeling of incredible excitment with the residents as we are getting closer to completion.  This is a huge step forward for these people.  We are on-track to have water to every home in the Batey by the end of next week – we are already starting to bury the pipes in some areas.  And THAT’s fantastic!” – Mark Bender, Director Water Projects

Just wanted to give you a quick update on Pakistan filters.  We are STILL hung up in customs.  Our contacts on the ground there are having some trouble because of UPS.  We have had two other groups helping our folks try.  It looks like we are getting close to having them released.  Sorry that it has taken so long to get these into the relief efforts.  This is our first attempt at getting filters into Pakistan through UPS…we are constantly learning as we face new challenges head on.  Special thanks to our friend in the US Heera Sheikh who lives in Tulsa, OK.  She has an Uncle on front lines in Pakistan and he is making a huge impact in the lives of local people.  For all that Heera and Shaukat Qureshi are doing,  “bahut bahut shukria” Thank you very much!

Ken Surritte

Founder WATERisLIFE.com

Michelle Caluda’s Physical Science students at St. Charles Borromeo in Destrehan, LA participated in a lab in which they designed their own water filters. They then researched the WaterIsLife Filter, and designed presentations for them to present to the school.  For Catholic Schools week, they held a “Change It” fundraiser, and groups of the students discussed the need for clean water.  They talked about the Straw and left coin collection containers in each classroom.  ”At this point, we are over $500, but will soon hit $1000.”  says Ms. Caluda.  WAY TO CHANGE iT St. Charles Borromeo!

Want to help change the life of someone this summer?

• 1 child dies every 20 seconds due to waterborne disease.
• 1.8 million children die from diarrhea every year.
• Clean water is a health, education, woman’s, and economic issue.
• Providing clean water transforms lives, families and communities.

Want to help bring clean water to the world – join a WATERisLIFE Team!  Experience the Thrill!

Check your schedule – and join WATERisLIFE for filter distribution, hygiene education and sustainable clean water solution projects and research.  This is the year for you to jump in and make a difference – even in the life of one.

KENYA

Wednesday, April 13 – Saturday, April 23, 2011 – FULL

Kisumu and Kakamega, Kenya

Pump Repair, Hygiene Education, School Water Project Analysis

$3,300*  includes RT international airfare to Nairobi

GHANA

Wednesday, July 27 – Saturday, August 6, 2011 - CLOSED

Accra, Tamale – Tolon-Kumbungo District, Ghana

Filter Distribution, Hygiene Education, Sustainable clean water research

$3,200*  Includes International RT airfare to Accra

HAITI

September 2011 – CLOSED

Cap Haitian, Limbe, Northern Haiti villages, Las Cayes

Filters distribution, Hygiene Education, Well Drilling

$1,500*  includes RT airfare Florida to Cap Haitian

Please email jenny@waterislife.com for additional information.

To get started please submit  WiL Team Application

*  Cost includes international airfare, in-country airfare, lodging and ground transportation.  WiL Team Application

WATERisLIFE is excited to announce that 2,000 additional filters will be distributed in Northern Haiti, Feb 15-22.  The team will join a medical team and will share cholera prevention information, host important hygiene training and distribute WiL filters.

15,000 filters have been distributed in Haiti since the devastating earthquake hit over one year ago and the life-saving filters have brought clean water to thousands during the deadly cholera epidemic which began in late October 2010.  The filters will continue to provide Haitians with clean water for up to one year.

We are so thankful to WiL donors for providing the much needed funds to the provide filters to Haiti – specifically at such a critical time when they are needed most.  The WiL filter removes the cholera bacteria – vibrio cholerae – which is killing thousands in Haiti, and a majority of these are children.  Water sources all over the country have been contaminated and this is a reliable source to obtain clean, uninfected water to drink.

The 2,000+  filters will be distributed in the Northern Haiti area through a medical team and partner organizations.

“We are excited to get back into the field and get filters where they are needed now, and are pleased that we can distribute the filters quickly and provide assistance as soon as donor dollars are received.   Keep the dollars coming in…and we will continue to get filters into the field.”  -  Ken Surritte, WiL Founder

WiL Gear now available!

Order your standard T-shirt or V-neck in a variety of sizes.  Also available cool, comfortable and adjustable WiL Military Style caps – great field gear!

WiL Shirts – $20.00

WiL Caps – $15.00

Place your order request  http://waterislife.com/about/contact-us/

Sizes may be limited.  Place your order now  -  WiL gear will go quickly!

WATERisLIFE Founder, Ken Surritte and Water Projects Director, Mark Bender talk about the incredible importance of continuing to bring clean water to Haitians.  Check it out!

http://www.news9.com/Global/story.asp?S=13808903

Frutzner Domelus is the eldest son in a family of seven in Haiti.  He hand dug this well in his family’s front yard.  His father worked to earn the money to dig the well and create the cement work around it.  The family shares the water with many neighbors and friends who live in their community.  Frutzner is very proud of the family well…but there is only one problem.   The well has only been dug to approx. 25 feet and we worry that the water is contaminated, as the clean water is located at approx 80 feet.  Also, without a a sealed lid/pump, bacteria can enter thru normal daily use.  With the cholera outbreak  - and the river systems carrying the Vibrio Cholerae bacteria – we worry about the cleanliness of the water for their community.

It was a Wednesday in Limbe, Haiti.  The cholera numbers were quickly climbing to epidemic proportions.   We spent the afternoon at Bon Samaritan Hospital.  I sat with a mother and her daughter on their cot in quiet.

They are from the Limbe area and the mother, and her two children arrived at the hospital on Sunday evening. They had ingested contaminated water.   Upon arrival, all three were extremely dehydrated and very sick.   On Monday midday, Adlner, the young boy of 4 died on the cot from dehydration.  Now it’s Wednesday – mother and her 6 year old daughter were regaining their strength and now preparing to deal with the loss of the little one.

I gave them each a WiL filter to take home.  I know for sure they will not be back in the hospital now that they have a filter to drink from.  But what about those that are not getting filters and must continue to drink contaminated water?  What will they do?  What can we do?

‘All the statistics in the world can’t measure the warmth of a smile.’  quote from Chris Hart in Here’s To You.

While in Haiti this past few months the WiL team saw hundreds of children suffering in hospitals with cholera, many small caskets entering the one and only cemetery, and thousands of families worried that the impending cholera outbreak is looming over those they love.

It was clearly evident that WATERisLIFE filters are a true life-saver and seem the only prevention right now.  Once cholera is ingested – it hits children rapidly.  Dehydration can occur within hours and when – and if – they receive medical attention, their tiny veins have collapsed and it is a challenge for the over worked and exhausted medical staff to put in an IV.  The statistics will continue to grow…and the smiles from the children’s faces continue to haunt the team.  So much need for filters – a simple solution that can help now.

Many in Haiti are forced to drink from rivers, specifically in rural areas.  Even though the word was quickly passed that the rivers were becoming infected with vibrio cholerae bacteria many still needed to, and continue to drink water each day.  The cost of charcoal to boil the water is more than many families may have each day – and therefore, water is not boiled before it is ingested.  Haitians bath, wash laundry, and children play in rivers.  Ingested water is the culprit.  In addition, good hygiene habits need to be practiced daily – washing of hands when caring for someone infected, before cooking and eating and bleaching fruits and vegetables.  Education is key.

During Hygiene Training classes, Haitians asked many questions regarding the disease;  how did their country become infected, how can they prevent the disease, can rum cure cholera, do they need to quarantine people infected in their villages?  Cholera is new to Haitians, and they are hungry for education and are truly desiring to prevent it’s further spread.

The quick on set of dehydration from cholera can affect someone’s health within hours.  And with many living in rural areas, with no medical facilities – time is of the essence in rehydration and medical care.

Thousands have been infected, thousands more will die.  WATERisLIFE personal filter can truly protect people that continue to drink from contaminated water sources, because they have no other choice.

The cholera epidemic will not go away soon.  But with prevention tools, education and proper hygiene – cholera can be contained – with a substantial savings of lives.  An outbreak of cholera in Africa has taken almost three decades to contain.  With the number of NGOs and Aid in Haiti – in partnerships, surely we can provide the tools to stop the number of those drinking contaminated water.

It is the warmth of the children’s smiles that remind the WiL team everyday.  And there is no way to measure that.