Discovering My Life's Calling Through Philanthropy: A Journey to Nurturing Clean Water
Growing up with a sense of duty to leave a positive impact wherever I went, I have always strived to make a difference. This dedication began with my grandparents, whose teachings instilled in me the value of leaving a place better than when I found it. In 1998, one such journey led me to Nairobi, Kenya, where I experienced firsthand the profound need for clean water.
From Vision to Action
During a missionary trip to build two churches and an additional classroom, I witnessed women carrying heavy buckets of water to and from the village daily. Upon inquiry, the local Maasai pastor explained that the lack of clean drinking water was a major issue. With a strong engineering background, this realization angered and motivated me to act. The journey to establish a non-profit organization (501 C 3) was born.
Over the next year, I dedicated myself to setting up the organization, which would focus on bringing fresh water to rural Kenyan communities. Fundraising efforts were met with mixed success, but a personal financial investment of $100,000 ignited the project.
By 1999, we began installing water wells in villages. Leveraging expertise from Germany and Australia, we ensured that the pumps were installed efficiently. The project was a collective effort, comprising 18 volunteers, 9 of whom were devout Christians and 9 who identified as atheists. This diverse yet unified team achieved remarkable results, proving that the pursuit of a common goal transcends differences.
Impact and Persistence
The U.S. State Department kindly assisted with transportation costs, which was a significant boost. Today, I am immensely proud of what our organization has accomplished. As of my retirement in 2016, we had installed 756 freshwater wells in southern Kenya, serving over 22,680 people monthly. This translates to an astonishing 272,000 servings of clean, fresh water every single day.
Despite health issues necessitating my retirement, my adventure has left an indelible mark on my life. Every dollar raised has gone toward providing clean water, fostering hope and sustaining communities in Kenya. Standing by a newly installed water well on a hillside, listening to the pumps kick on for the first time, and witnessing children play in clean water remains one of the most spiritually fulfilling experiences of my life.
Lessons Learnt and Future Directions
The journey of creating and running a non-profit organization has taught me invaluable lessons about resilience, community, and the impact of perseverance. The collaborative efforts and diversity of my team have been instrumental in achieving our goals. As we continue to explore ways to improve and expand our efforts, the principles of dedication and commitment remain at the core of our mission.
As I reflect on my life’s journey, I am reminded of the immense power that lies in giving back and making a difference. The journey to provide clean water is just the beginning, and I remain committed to maintaining a lifelong pursuit that leaves a positive impact on the world.