Christmas 2011 is coming so quickly, we started to think about what we are thankful for and how we could help others this Christmas. As you know, both Bonnie and I spent some time in Kenya, Africa this year and were able to see people in need. Real needs, basic needs like a need for food, living conditions and clean water. We feel extremely blessed to come home to a warm home, full of food and have clean water readily available. Reflecting back on our trips with Abby, Billy and Molly, looking at pictures, remembering the smells, the conversations and the faces of these wonderful people...we feel led to help. After prayer and conversations, we unanimously decided to forgo some of our Christmas presents and donate the money to build a water well in Africa. No worries, we still will be celebrating Christmas. However, we are asking Grandmas & Grandpas, Aunts & Uncle's, cousins to donate money to our project instead of buying us Christmas presents. The kids have also asked Santa to bring two gifts for them instead of three this year and to give the present to a child in Africa. We know this might sound strange, not that exciting and just plain tough for some of you to do this year. But if you stop for a minute and truly think about the meaning of Christmas, this makes sense. Spending time together, helping others and making a difference. What greater joy is there then to give to others? Isn't that what God asks us to do? Check out this link that inspired our idea http://vimeo.com/30556886 we hope you are inspired too.

Here is how you can help, we are teaming up with The Water Project who builds wells in third world countries. They will be able to pair our contribution with others and build a well in Kenya. The total cost of a well is roughly $6500. One well can provide hundreds of children clean water daily. After we have met our goal, our money will be ready for the project to begin. During the process, we will get pictures, GPS coordinates and reports from the field as they happen! All can be seen at this website! So save this site and we will keep you posted as changes occur. We are super excited about this gift we are giving through The Water Project. Thank you for considering to join our team and help children have clean water. Remember, a child dies every 15 seconds from lack of clean water.