Clean Water Needed

Yesterday we had an interesting discussion with a couple of friends about differences between cultures.  They have lived in numerous places and he traveled a large part of the world with the military.  Our experiences are much more limited, but we have been to a couple of other countries.

As we talked, one of the things that came up was the issue of water when traveling to other places.  We take water for granted.  In this country we are blessed with water systems that are sanitary and for the most part the water is free of harmful chemicals and parasites.  We can drink water directly from the kitchen faucet without concern that we will become violently ill.

We take water for granted because it is abundantly supplied and clean.  We use it without thought or, fear.  That is not the case elsewhere.

One of the reasons the life expectancy in many countries is low is due to the heavy parasite load that most people are carrying.  Many of those parasites are contracted through drinking water, or from eating food items that have been washed in that water.

In my limited travels to other countries, I was given advice to never drink the water, never eat fresh fruit or, vegetables washed in the water, and never rinse my toothbrush with tap water.  Always drink only bottled water and use it even for wetting my toothbrush prior to brushing my teeth.  Also, it is necessary to make certain the bottle of water had an intact seal before opening it.

This issue was truly brought home to me in Niger where I observed young women drawing water from a community well in the center of a village.  Upon looking into the well I observed trash and even dead rodents in the water.  It is a wonder to me how any of them live so long.

There are many opportunities for "doing good" in this world.  They surround us if we would only look and observe.  One of them is helping to provide clean drinking water to those in need.  There are a number of organizations devoted to that purpose.  If you really want to make a difference in the lives of others, it is a good place to start.  Seek out one of these groups and help them financially, or better yet, take a trip with them to help provide a good source of clean water to people in need.

We are all created in God's image.  We are all called to help our fellow man.  Quit admiring yourself in the mirror and look around.  If you know of a reputable organization, please post their contact information in the comments.