After days in the field the WiL team reflects on some of the key highlights of their work.  Each team member was give a small book – FIELD NOTES compliments of www.fieldnotesbrand.com to write stories, highlights and work notes.  Congrats to Jess Lusin from Odyssey Preparatory Academy for turning her FIELD NOTES in first!

- The partnership between Zali Village and Summit Church brought the opportunity to distribute 1000 filters, host hygiene clinics in the community of 1000, in each classroom and for a group of Mommas and children in need of guidance.  Time with the Chief and Elders was priceless – and realtionships have blossomed.  Summit Commuity Church was welcomed back anytime to stay in the village and work side by side with them – they are family.  Summit will work to return and rebuild the fencing around the water dugout – to keep the animals from contaminating their water source. This will be the  one of the steps in the solution.

- Odyssey Preparatory Academy has partnered wtih  Kpaachiyili to help bring 500 filters, host hygiene clinics in each classroom as well as play soccar, learn about their need for books in their library and move forward with the next step to clean water solution.

Both villages have been set up with Community Water Solutions Systems – where women in the village manage the clean water process and distribution.  A fantastic water solution to supply clean water at a very small cost – while also creating a small business for the local woman

- Meetings to develop WiL partnerships with Tamale Rotary, Pure Home Water Systems, Community Water Solutions, King’s Village, District Assembly and Chief sessions,  Geologist Timothy Boare Geological Round Table, as well as strategic meetings to discuss the value of partnership with each village – 290 – in the Tolon an Kumbungu Districts.  With partnership – comunities in the US have the opportunity to support their village with WiL filters, hygiene classes in collaboration with the District WASH program, long term water solutions with local organizations as well as opportunity to create and build lasting relationships with a community in such need of a basic need -clean water.  Please check out photos 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?

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

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.

We are starting something very exciting.  A chance for you to create your own fundraiser for WATERisLIFE.

WiL Volunteer Mark Bender decided to make 2010 an important year.

WHAT DID YOU DO THIS YEAR?

Driving your dream car?  Took an amazing vacation?  Added a fabulous pool?  Saved 15,000 lives in Haiti?

WATERisLIFE – How your dollars will make an impact this year

FILTERS

WATERisLIFE supplies portable water filters – only $10 each – to communities in dire need of clean water in 31 countries worldwide.

HYGIENE CLINICS

Teaching health and hygiene is a life-saving opportunity.  The simple understanding of germs and handwashing can drastically change behaviors and transform communities.

LONG TERM WATER

WATERisLIFE focuses on creating sustainable clean water sources long-term.  Not only is the abundance of water important, but that the water remains clean.

Make this the year you do something incredibly important…make a direct impact with your donation dollars

and save lives.

Your tax-deductible donation can be made by credit card at http://www/waterislife.com/about/donations

or by mail;

P.O. Box 7481,  Edmond, OK  73083

Message from Wil Founder, Ken Surritte

2010 has been an amazing year.  Thousands of lives have been changed.  In Haiti alone over 15,000 filters have helped to save the lives after this year’s earthquake and during the cholera epidemic – and thousands more around our world need help.  It’s very simple;  the water crisis is real.  The world needs clean water.

Clean water helps create healthy children, healthy children can attend school, and education will transform communities.  We need your help.

What will you do in 2011?

Fredline, Youseline and Kerlin are orphans in Haiti. Three beautiful, amazing, generous children, giving back. In circumstances that we would find frustrating, sad and emotional – these three children were driven to help during the cholera outbreak this year. With the earthquake, hurricane, cholera epidemic and political unrest in Haiti – they continue to share thier hearts with others. These little ones know the importance of clean water and understand that without it, their lives are in jeopardy. A large part of our global population – nearly 1 billion – does not have access to clean water. With your help, WATERisLIFE can bring filters to those in immediate danger, provide healthy hygiene training and provide people with an abundant supply of clean water – worldwide.

OKLAHOMA OWASSO TEAM HOLDING TIGHT DURING HAITI RIOTS

The Owasso Team from Oklahoma , currently in Haiti working and distributing hundreds of WATERisLIFE water filters have reported that they are doing well during this political chaos and rioting.   They are safe and confined to the compound, as their ground team is telling them it is not good to go out.  The ground team appreciates all that the Owasso Team is doing, but they would rather them be able to come back and do more good than to sacrifice their lives. The team is reporting that the Haitians are extremely upset about the elections, and the airports have been closed again.

The Owasso team respects the Ground Team’s wishes – but, as you can imagine, they have heavy hearts as they want to go out and do their work.  They will work around the compound doing maintenance, repair a well across the street and may help build pews for the church down the street.

Keep up the great work Owasso Haiti Team – we are all praying for you and the work you have before you.  Stay safe, and thank you so much for your dedication to bringing clean water and help to those so much in need in Haiti.  Everyone is so grateful for your sacrifice!

SAVEaLIFE Benefit Concert featuring CedEnough

Saturday, December 18th from 2 – 4 p.m.

Chick-fil-A in Moore, Oklahoma

presented by WATERisLIFE and CHURCH BOY ENTERTAINMENT

www,waterislife.com      www.churchboy.com

Just got a text message from teams on the ground in Haiti. All flights into Cap Haitian are canceled. Roads are blocked with tires set on fire and looters. ALL travel in and out of Haiti on hold.
Bender’s are stranded there for now. Medical team due to arrive tomorrow is canceled. Pray for safety for our team and others in Haiti.

Text message from Bender’s on Camp experience. “Camp Coq village clinic was chaos today. Cholera outbreak has driven Haitians to fight for WiL filters. The definition of filter distribution in Haiti changed today.”
Another text message: “CHAOS…cholera sending everyone into fighting mobs. People know we are here in Haiti and have filters. Scary, but all well. Had good protection. Box of 100 filters grabbed by a helper who ran. Better than taking all of them. Hopefully they will get into the someone who needs them hands.”
Another update: “No pics today-too unsafe at the moment. They would have taken our cameras.”
Thanks for your help in getting the filters into the hands of thousands of Haitian families.

The following is a series of text messages sent from the Bender family at ground zero of hurricane Tomas in Haiti. “Weather is clearing slightly here – has been raining since 9 pm last night. Roads a mess…need my rubbers to walk around!! Girlz awake until late last night under their mosquito nets worried. They like to all sleep together:). They are persevering with smiles considering all that we are contending with. The hardest part is not knowing situation as there is no communication/media access. Everything is word of mouth or text messages from phone companies. Thousands rebelled and would not evacuate as they truly believed it was a false story and they would loose what little possessions they had. And they would loose the only home they have – a tent. The rains will definitely increase cholera situation – and what is most needed is clean clean water. It’s the only answer. WiL Working with hospital Bon Samaritan to distribute filters to families of cholera patients today and tomorrow. Mother and daughter both have cholera from water – the younger child, Adlner age 4, died here on Monday. If only we had been able to get the family a filter for clean water sooner.”

The WATERisLife Haiti Relief Team will soon depart for Haiti.  The team will bring more filters, Health and Hygiene Training and long term water solutions to 23 villages in Northern Haiti.  They will report back on each village as they make progress week to week. Each village will have names, faces and smiles along with stories of struggles for obtaining clean water on a daily basis.  The Villages will need partnership to continue the progress to bring a sustainable clean water source to their communities – Incredible opportunity to be able to save lives and transform communities.  Find out how you can be a part of bringing clean water to thousands around the world and to follow the Haiti Relief team’s work;

www.facebook.com/joinwaterislife

Thanks for your help! We are sending over two thousand more filters to Haiti, tools, and a generator to Haiti.  Heading up the work of filter distribution, well drilling, pump repair and hygiene training will the be Mark, Kristine, Picabo and Liv.  They will be hosting other teams that will join them in the next few months. Boxes of filters and other supplies are setting in Ft. Pierce Florida at the staging area for the flight in a few days.  Thank you for your help!

Bridgeway Church in Oklahoma City, OK will be sending 240 WATERisLIFE filters to a village in Haiti with a WATERisLIFE team this October and November.  The village will receive the WiL Filters, Hygiene and Sanitation training and the WiL team will research a long term clean water source for their village.  The village is located in Northern Haiti.

Thank you to all at Bridgeway Church for your work on this fundraising project – and WATERisLIFE looks forward to bringing you photos and stories from your partner village in Haiti.

Kristine and Mark Bender, along with their daughters, Picabo, 15, and Olivia, 12, will volunteer in Haiti for 10 weeks. The Verrado, Arizona family departs on Oct. 1.

The Benders are working with WATERisLIFE, an Oklahoma-based, non-profit organization that helps provide clean drinking water to people around the world.  Kristine and Mark are both Directors for WATERisLIFE and volunteering their time to serve those in Haiti.  Click on link below to Read More…

Read more: http://www.azcentral.com/community/swvalley/articles/2010/09/06/20100906swv-buckhaiti0908.html#ixzz0yty3Hrt0

10,000 water filters have been distributed in Haiti this year. Thousands more are needed as many in the Limbe area have limited access to clean water. It is critical to bring more filters to Haiti with the increasing demands for clean water.  Listen as Ray Vanslyke talks about the need for filters and clean water.  Ray, with his wife Bonnie have lived in Haiti for years and are the Directors at the orphanage located at the Barkman Center in Limbe, which is part of Grace Missions and Drop of Love Schools. Over the years Ray and Bonnie have become these children’s parents – providing support, love and guidance.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcTOOXCxVBM

WiL Ambassador schools AZ Attorney General & Democratic candidate for Governor, Terry Goddard

Senam Mallik is a student Ambassador for WATERisLIFE. She is a member of the Student Council at Verrado Middle School in Arizona, and will be working on a project to bring WiL filters and Health and Sanitation Clinics to India in the spring.

She and her WATERisLIFE team spent the day talking with guests at the India Independence Day Celebration in Phoenix, AZ. She was honored to introduce the WATERisLIFE filter to Arizona Attorney General and Democratic Candidate for Governor – Terry Goddard.  Her photo was published on Arizona Attorney General Terry Goddard’s Facebook page later that day!  Way to Change iT Senam. And good luck on the Verrado Middle School upcoming project to bring clean refreshing water to children in India!

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=5247310&id=279869501440&ref=fbx_album

WATERisLIFE friend and partner William, will be heading to Liberia to work on a Living Water International project for six months. It is an answer to a prayer for him…and many in Liberia.  We wish him a fantastic journey, a safe journey and a journey that will allow him to share his amazing gifts with others.  He definitely will need our love, support and encouragement while he works, and we are confident that he dreams of staying long-term to continue his work with Liberian Nationals to bring clean water to so many in need.  Be well William, our thoughts and prayers are with you,  and we are inspired by your dedication and love for your brothers and sisters in Liberia.

17 million people have been directly impacted by the flooding in Pakistan.  That number raises everyday.

When a flood hits it creates all kinds of problems.  The most unique is that there is a lot of water but non to drink.  The sources of clean water are quickly contaminated by the rising levels of polluted water. Contaminating everything.  Water everywhere but not any to drink.

We are working with several organizations in Pakistan to get filters delivered into the hands of the local people in desperate need.  We need people who would be willing to help sponsor filters to send right now.  Please tell your friends and family that you think could help to go to: WATERisLIFE to sponsor filters.

Thanks!

EAVB_GVZTWLFAFX

WATERisLIFE Volunteer Mark Bender traveled to Guatemala this week to drill a well with the Living Water International team.  The well will be drilled in a community just outside of Antigua, Guatemala.  Thanks Mark – clean water on it’s way for many!

BE A PART OF THE PROJECT! A WATERisLIFE volunteer team will continue work in Haiti in October  - The team will distribute 5,000 WATERisLIFE filters, work in partnership with Haitians on Hygiene and Sanitation Training Clinics and create long-term clean water solutions thru well rehab and research drilling at schools.

Below are easy and tangible ways you, your office or group can rally to help support the team to ensure the work in Haiti continues - providing water to those desperately in need – now more than ever. Pick one thing and MAKE AN IMPACT ON OUR WORLD!

These costs are based on 23 project areas to be impacted by WATERisLIFE HAITI RELIEF

1.  Transportation Costs in Haiti – $1,500

2.  Food and supplies – $100 week (10 weeks total)

3.  Hygiene/Sanitation Training Materials – $400

4.  Refrigerator and Innvertor for WiL Team living space – $600

5.  Fans to keep the WiL Volunteer Team cool – DONATED

6.  Construction supplies for long-term Team quarters – $1,000

7.  Individual Pump Rehab – $200 per project/area

8.  Communication tools –  $400

9.  Generator for power – DONATED

10.  You can also donate WATERisLIFE Filters – each filter is only $10 – and lasts for up to one year.  These filters not only provide life-saving water – but create an opportunity for each of us to make a direct impact in Haiti and you can SEE YOUR DOLLARS IN ACTION!

Please consider helping support WiL HAITI RELIEF so that we all can continue to bring clean water to HAITI.  Feel free to contact us to be a part of this important and life-saving project.

Donate to WiL HAITI RELIEF http://waterislife.com/about/donations/

OKLAHOMA OFFICE – ken@waterislife.com

ARIZONA OFFICE – kristine@waterislife.com

Are you trying to find a summer activity for kids that will have a meaningful impact on others?

Why not host or organize a simple WATERisLIFE Change iT event to bring clean water to children in Haiti.  Your event or activity will bring filters and change to Haiti in October – and you they will see your donations in action!  Kids can organize a lemonade stand, car wash, summer dance or swim-a-thon, book sale, collect cans and recycle, ….so many fun ideas to keep kids busy,  and cool,  this summer.  How about an all night swim party!  Kids can collect change and it will go directly to bringing clean water to children in Haiti. Check out http://waterislife.com/projects/change-it/ for more information and to register for a fun summer  Change iT!  Program!

As parents,  it’s our responsibility to continually work at instilling values that will form our children’s futures.  We strive to teach manners, hygiene, academics, respect, responsibility, and the list goes on.  Amidst it all, life can get in the way and without a clear vision; it can keep us from teaching the lessons that ‘in the end’ matter most.

Your vision may be to reach out and to touch the lives of others.  Your vision may not only be to care about others - but to take action.

Take that step, teach your kids to take time and care to reach out and transform our world; one smile and one giggle at a time,  It truly could be a life-changing gesture for generations to come.