Hope Arising

What an amazing experience!

2012-02-05T18:40:00.001-08:00

Merry Christmas from Hope Arising

2011-12-21T16:07:00.000-08:00

Exciting updates coming from Ethiopia!

2011-12-18T06:58:00.000-08:00

Just look at this gorgeous produce coming from the gardens that were installed in October. It is amazing to think that this would be the time of year that food becomes scarce for these wonderful people in Dera. As you can see, the ground is fertile and produce is flourishing due to the drip systems. Bob Johnson plans to go back in March to help more families put together these drip lines. The goal is to see hundreds of families enjoying this kind of harvest during the dry season. Incredible!

Hero Dentist

2011-11-15T09:58:00.000-08:00

Channel 12 news piece on the Dental Group

The Gardens are a Huge Success!

2011-11-04T11:01:00.000-07:00

Water in Dera

2011-10-21T08:15:00.000-07:00

October Trip

2011-10-21T07:57:00.000-07:00

Monday we went to the site of the spring as part of the water celebration. The weather was beautiful. We all enjoyed hearing from the mayor of Dera, Rochelle and Chantal. It was a happy day. Truly inspirational. The people of Dera now have consistent clean water for themselves and their animals, making life more abundant.

This is Lydette and her younger sister. They are orphans and participate in the Thrive Together program for Hope Arising. We built them a kitchen, which consisted of a roof and stick walls. Lydette will now be able to cook under a roof, rather than being exposed to the elements.

Here are Bob and Ben in one of the five gardens that they built for some of the villagers. The plan was to do three, but when the neighbors saw what they were doing, they cleared a spot and asked if they could help them build one too. They installed a drip line system in these gardens, allowing them to grow food year round.

The dental clinic was a huge success this year. This is Dr. Jenkins with four of the dental students and the health care professional in Dera. We had two dentists, an orthodontist, a hygienist, an amazing assistant and at least six or seven others who were so valuable to the team. We worked hard for three days, saw 375 patients and extracted over 1,000 teeth. We look forward to continued improvements to the dental clinic and seeing it someday become self sustaining. This was just an amazing trip. We can't wait to go back!

Bingo night at Gilbert Classical Academy

2011-10-02T07:49:00.000-07:00

Here is a fundraiser Taylor, a senior at Gilbert Classical Academy did Friday night. She raised $1700 to take to Ethiopia next week. She plans to buy school supplies for the school children in Dera when she arrives there. Thanks so much Taylor!

Video of water progress from our last trip!

2011-09-13T09:46:00.000-07:00

We are so excited that the upper parts of the new water line are hooked in to water points and people are getting clean, consistent water for their families and their animals!

Thanks Amy Fraughton photography for capturing this for us and special thanks to Jennette Jenkins for putting it all together!

Golf with Hope Arising at Seville!

2011-08-11T22:26:00.000-07:00

Registration/ Check-in: 7:00 am

Shotgun Start: 8:00am

Format: Four-player scramble

Lunch: Mexican buffet following play

Dera's High School

2011-04-13T20:55:00.001-07:00

From Amy:

Being in Ethiopia for the first time was just amazing. Every corner, every moment was something new, and it would take me a week to describe it all. But for now, I have to tell you about one of my favorite experiences. I think everyone should have an experience like this once in their life, and I have Chantal, Rochelle, Betty, and Marianne to thank for allowing me to ride their coat tails and feel like a hero for the day.

We arrived at the High School early Tuesday morning in our green Scooby Doo bus. We knew they were expecting us and that they were going to have a ceremony for the 10 computers that Marianne worked so hard to get donated to the school. But no one prepared us for what we were about to experience. As the bus drove up, we all peered through the windows at what was over 2000 beautiful black students in white tops and pink and lavendar pants standing in the dirt waiting for us, and as the bus pulled to a halt a powerful clapping began, but in unison: clap, clap, clap... as if a procession was about to begin. We piled out of the bus, and the teenager volunteers in our group went right up and into the crowd, shaking hands, and saying hellos as if they had just been reunited with their best friends. The crowds slowly parted, and as the loud clapping continued, visions of the movie Madagascar flashed through my head. We were being heralded as hero's, and I for one was not deserving. I was just there to record it all through my camera. I was taken in with their faces, so happy, so beautiful and searching mine as hard as I searched theirs. As I met them, they were warm and welcoming, like we were family meeting for the first time. It was so amazing. Eventually the crowd quieted, we were moved to our place in the ceremony, and the event began... a gratitude ceremony for Marianne and Hope Arising, and a presentation of the 10 new computers.

Above is Marianne, she led her community of 1200 people in raising over $5500 for computers and desks at 2 schools. The distinguished man with the white hair is Moosa, the town mayor.

Above is the gift of the computers, and then the school presented H.A. with the gift of their school picture. They were so very grateful.

Here is the computer room, they had only 10 computers for the 2000 students before, now they will have 20.

We developed a saying while in Ethiopia, and that was; "Your not an Ethiopian if you don't love the camera". They clammored to get into this shot.

Just after taking this above shot, I continued to walk towards a classroom, when they all ran up and just walked as close as they could without touching me, and 2 boys that knew better English said, "Hello, we would like to ask you some questions," and so I answered, "Great, I would like to ask you some questions to." The first boy asked me about what I do and how much certification I had (college and education) and why couldn't understand why I hadn't finished college. The entire group plus more listened in. Then the second boy turned to me and asked, "what can you teach us?" I was speechless. That question said so much more than 'what can you teach us'. It said; we are hungry, we want to learn, to grow and to improve our lives, we are ready, can you help. It was a question much bigger than I was at that moment, and a question that I will never forget.

One of the things the students pointed out when we had some one on one time was the challenge of being able to focus with 3 students per desk.

I love the image above. I could see this one super large on the wall. I love how you could interpret a million different stories from it.

This kid let me take his picture, then started cracking up for the next shot. I love that they have humor and were probably laughing at me. That happened alot.

The library was a must see on our tour of the school. The wall you see behind the librarian is all the books they have. They are desperate for more books.

David, our Canadian teen volunteer showing them where his home is.

I love the picture of their book, and their feet. The book is so old you can't even read the title. And the feet look surprisingly clean considering their isn't water to wash with. These sandals were seen all over town, and the shredded pants were very normal as well.

Fly Out Tomorrow!

2011-03-31T13:48:00.000-07:00

All the last minute things to double check - batteries, camera, oh and TP. All the bags have been weighed, re-arranged and weighed again. We are so anxious to get going and go to work!

Packing the Bags!

2011-03-28T17:34:00.000-07:00

Airports and sleep depravation - another trip starts on FRIDAY!

3 Days left to pack

Ahhhhhhh!!! The only problem is that dang 50 lb weigh limit on the suitcases. I'd be just fine with the old 75 lb limit. We have a new dental sterilizer, some food, some darling pillowcase dresses, gifts as required by culture and then the regular packing list. My particular favorites are the anti-itch cream and immodium...funny how perspectives change once I leave home.

We are going to try and post pictures and updates from our trip here if we can get internet connections. Here's hoping on that!

Today and tomorrow, Mengistu, our project coordinator it getting more pipes up to the project site. They should be going in the ground about the time we get there! Did I mention I love water pipes- another new favorite thing.

I love water

2011-03-04T13:23:00.000-08:00

I never thought I'd care about water pipes. Who gives it a thought really? I'll tell you who- people without water. In fact, then it becomes all you can think about...cool, clean, revitalizing water. It becomes an obsession.

I live in a desert - Arizona. I have been in severe heat without water and I didn't last long at all. So when I had these beautiful Ethiopian women share a piece of their life without water, I could never fully comprehend it, but I began to get the idea and it seared by heart.

So I continue to write about how your support is bringing water to 58,000 people. I could die and feel great about being a part of that accomplishment. I hope you think so to.

13 km of pipe laid with 14.5 km to go! Half way there
Spring box complete
Dera Reservoir of 500m3 complete
Awash Reservoir of 300 m3 complete
20 water points with 6 faucets each - left to be done

1st timer to Dera

2011-02-24T12:29:00.000-08:00

From Amy:

Well, we are about 5 weeks away from going to Dera, Ethiopia, and I am excited to go for the first time and try to record as many "first timer" experiences as I can to bring back with me. My hope is to use technology to help Dera to feel closer to everyone here in the states that are following this project.

I will be leaving my family (4 kids and hub) for 10 days, and it will be my first time in Europe and Africa, although the stay in Europe will only be a layover, I am sure there will be stories to tell.

I went yesterday to get my vaccines for the trip, and I think the price tag for vaccines hurt more than the shots themselves, ouch! I had no idea! My kids were dying that I had to get 7 shots! My son Chase did not believe me that I didn't cry. What does that say about his view of me? I am not sure I want to know, but for the record, I did NOT cry!

self portrait of my one remaining Garfield bandaid

Since I am a photographer, my main purpose in going to Dera, is to document the project and the whole story through pictures in hopes that the images will be able to make the Dera project more real for people here. I usually shoot families, weddings, and lots of portraits, so this type of shooting will be more documentary style and there is quite a difference. I've been spending a little time in the National Geographic studying images in there asking myself, what is it about this picture that tells the story? Where was the photographer standing, where is the light coming from, what type of lens? Last summer I was lucky enough to go to St. Lucia, and in the short time there, I was very happy with the images I took, but there is a big difference between St. Lucia and Ethiopia, mainly color. St. Lucia was a playground, and everything was so colorful it just felt happy. When I think of Dera and what it will be like, I think of the color brown. It will be very brown. But, I am learning that the people are amazing, and that is my goal, to showcase them, their spirit and their lives.

The countdown is on.

"You are a Giver"

2011-02-16T15:18:00.000-08:00

From Rochelle: On Woudneh's visit to the US, he told his personal life story a few times. I have heard his story many times and never cease to be amazed at his resilience to overcome challenging trials and the ability to never succumb to bitterness. This one particular night was no different. He was telling his story and I was astounded. He was speaking of the time he was a soldier during the Ethiopian Civil War. He was trying to get home from the northern most area of Ethiopia. He had no food, no water and less than $1 in his pocket. Many other soldiers were forced to beg just to stay alive. He was worried about his dire situation when he heard a voice in his mind that said, "Woudneh, no. You will not beg. You are a giver, not a taker. You will work and you will survive." He knows this was the God's voice speaking to him. It has been his mantra all the rest of his life. It is one of many reasons he is so unique. The key to success is truly being a giver and not a taker. The world would be a much better place if we all adopted this belief. As we share with others we will surely take away more than we give. Put it to the test. It works!

The new Dera Reservoir!

2011-02-15T09:23:00.001-08:00

From Chantal:

Escavating began for the new Dera Reservoir which will hold 800m3 of water. The old reservoir was only 100m3. Work is done by chisel and hammer, but the consistent hard work has paid off and the people of Dera see hope! Today the reservoir is nearly finished.

This is where it's at!

2011-02-15T07:23:00.000-08:00

This is where we are going to share all the behind the scenes information about Hope Arising. Stories, pictures, videos, and updates! Follow us as we continue to bring water into Dera!

You're INVITED: jen's 40k on 40 bash

2011-01-13T19:03:00.001-08:00

(click on the image to go to the event website)

It's official! I'm celebrating my 40th birthday in a BIG way... Please come!

jen's 40k on 40 bash

Saturday, February 5, 2011
7pm
The Wright House: 636 W. University Dr, Mesa AZ 85201

Authentic Ethiopia food courtesy of Cafe Lalibela
Live musical performances by Jordan and Kaitlynn Bluth and Firefly
T-shirts, auctions, raffles and so much more!

Suggested donation for the event is $20 (or more if you'd like!).
Your $20 donation will provide food for 1 person in Ethiopia for 1 month!

If you can't come, please consider making a donation anyway.

Please re-post this on your blog, Facebook, twitter... email! Help spread the word!!

The Quiet Heart

2010-08-14T11:40:00.000-07:00

It always amazes me how in a heart beat I can be back in Dera. And today, in the recognition of my racing heart, during a perfect sun salutation, I was back there. Holding hands with my Benhamen.

I met this little guy's mama 1 year ago and have spent time with them each visit...

When he sees me walking through the market or clinic or dusty road of the village, he runs to me, takes his place at my side, clasps my hand confidently and looks up with this knowing expression: "she's mine."

And I am.

And though there are no words exchanged, we both know it.

Often adults will drive the huge crowds of children away from us by whipping them or throwing rocks at them. It's horrible. I know they are trying to give us space and they don't understand that one of the greatest joys of being there is loving their children... holding their hands and praying that my touch will give them hope, peace... joy. And so I pray for tolerance. For understanding. For patience.

On one particular day, well meaning "grown ups" were driving the children away, and I could sense my buddy's fear. When I reached down to protect this little boy, I could feel his heart beating wildly. I could feel his fear. And so I took him in my arms and we both cried.

I knelt in the middle of that dusty road and held him. And hollered at those grown ups to just leave us alone. I think they understood my tone!

In that moment, my mind couldn't help but wander into his quiet heart and the other times that his heart might race like that. (Sometimes I do a good job of blocking out the reality of what their lives really are. Especially when we're singing and playing and when I see such beautiful smiles and light in their eyes. I forget.)

Maybe his heart has pounded in his tiny chest when his mama brought him to this village for the first time a few years ago?

Or when he couldn't understand the language the other children were speaking and thought they were saying bad things to him?

Or has he ever seen that man that gave him life, that man who I don't think deserves the title of father, beat his mother with an iron rod?

Does he see the photographs of their life before? So different from the extreme poverty and sickness this man has brought them to? Does that cause his heart to pound?

It does mine.

So today when I felt my heart beating, I remembered his. And I was back there.

I kept my eyes closed as long as possible during my yoga practice this morning. I wanted to be there. With him. With his mother, Maka.

Tears leaked through my clenched eye lids. Similar tears to the ones his mother wiped from my face as I said goodbye to them this last time... just a few weeks ago.

Imagine this beautiful 21 year old mother wiping my tears. MY tears. When it's her that is suffering. Yet. She wanted to comfort me.

This orphan, teenage bride, married to a man who has another family. To a man that took her from a pretty good life and has taken her to dirt floors, mud walls, and continual illness. Who steals her money, beats her, then shares her bed.

I'll probably never see her again. I've encouraged her to leave Dera. To go back to her home in the north.

Though her parents are dead.

And she will be leaving this man. (There's shame in that. At least in her culture.)

But she'll be safe. And alive. And be able to start a new life. And maybe get healthy again.

And so she'll stay in my heart. And I'll remember her and her children when my heart starts to race. Or when hot tears leak through clenched eyes. I'll remember her comforting me.

And I'll go back and find Maka and her children. In the middle of my quiet heart.

Saying goodbye to Maka...

My Friend Marta

2010-07-28T19:15:00.001-07:00

One of the great things about returning to Dera, Ethiopia for the 3rd time in one year is the friendships. We're all beginning to be familiar with one another.

I love it, love it, love it.

Last March I met a woman that has forever changed my life.

This picture was taken at our first meeting... the day after her toddler son had died. Her blind husband was off to bury the child. She couldn't go, she is too sick... she is HIV positive. You can see my grief in this picture (I try so hard to conceal my emotions but I had lost control)... but not nearly as great as hers.

This is her 7 year old son, Abi. He has tuberculosis. But a smile to capture any heart.

We were able to provide her and her family with food and some money each month. (about $20)

Needless to say, she was one of the first people I wanted to see when we arrived a few weeks ago. I was so anxious to see her, not knowing what to expect or how I would find her.

Imagine my JOY when my dear friend wrapped her tiny arms around me- healthy, happy, and FULL of LIFE. What's more, imagine hearing her words (though foreign and through a translator) telling me that we had saved her life.

She said that the day we met her she had laid down to die, having told God that if she was to live she needed an angel.

We arrived about an hour later.

She knows that her life was spared.

She and her husband passionately presented a business plan to me, soliciting a small loan in the amount of $350 to start a hay business. They believe this is the beginning of better days for them.

Would you like to help support Marta?

You can make a donation of any amount to Hope Arising. When I exceed this goal, we'll apply your donation to another friend of mine.

I have many.

Here's a picture of Abi now: (Please note the shape of his head and the light in his eyes. It's amazing what food and medicine can do! And note that I am clearly the happiest in Ethiopia.)
And Abi LOVED using my camera.

Here's a picture he took of his beautiful mother, Marta. I promise to post another photo of her when I get one...

In the San Diego News:

2010-07-27T21:21:00.000-07:00

There is a great article in the San Diego news that talks about Hope Arising projects! We are so excited an hope you take a minute to read the article found here.

Dave Rich is having a fund raiser in San Diego that will benefit the water line. Here are some details:

"Rich is holding a charity event on Aug. 3 at Voyeur Nightclub and Restaurant downtown and hopes to raise $20,000, which will fund the next portion of the 20-mile structure, bringing the project closer to completion. The evening will debut the 10-minute documentary he traveled to Ethiopia to make. Tray-passed food from award-winning chefs will be served alongside live music and African dancers. All of the money raised will be sent to Hope Arising. Voyeur, where Rich’s wife, Kari, is a chef, is donating food, service and time. Proceeds from alcohol sales during the event will also be donated. “The most powerful thing that touched me is just how genuinely-wonderful the people are in spite of everything they go through,” Rich said. “We take water for granted.”"

The rest of the details are in the article. Thank you Dave Rich, for all of your hard work in helping us out with the waterline project!

Promote Good

2010-07-18T21:50:00.001-07:00

By Jess

Here at Hope Arising we like to promote anything good that comes our way! Big thanks to the Pepsi Refresh project, for seeking to do good in the world. We hope you all will take time to check it out and vote for idea's that you think will help your community.

Water Project Progress

2010-06-28T09:25:00.000-07:00

by Betty

Mengistu has been to the water point last week with water people and with his wife. kindly find some pictures he took from his trip. as you can see in the picture they have already started building the concrete wall, excavation for the pipe line trench, and installing 250mm pipes.

450 People, 950 Teeth

2010-06-03T21:18:00.000-07:00

by Brittany Lay
March 2010 Team

I was a part of the dental team that went to Ethiopia. Our team consisted of three dentist, four dental assistants, and two people to help sterilize. What a team we had! In three days we were able to see 450 people and extract around 950 teeth. I don't think I have worked so hard in my life. But when they need so much, you are willing to do about anything to help these people. I wish we could have done more while we were there but there is just not enough hours in the day. If I can make things work I will be there again next year. What a life changing experience! It really puts in to perspective what is really important in life, and that is helping each other to have a better life. When you see the conditions of how they are living and the hard access they have to obtain water which is life, it is heart breaking. While I was working in the heat we had so many flies all around us, and us Americans are so quick to brush them away. But the people in Dera just let them crawl all over their faces, their eyes and mouth. I asked Chantal why they don't brush them away and she said because they are just trying to survive and that is probably the least of their worries. Another thing that shocked me was in their market place their bathroom is just out in the open. They just squat on the dirt and go in the middle of the market. That was a big surprise to me. But what a wonderful experience it was. They are such a happy and loving people it was very humbling to me. I would love to go back again to help these people have a better life. What an amazing thing Rochell and Chantal are doing to help these people of Dera get water so they can survive and grow. The love they have for these people and the service they are doing is contagious. Hopefully more people will reach out and serve those in need.

Dilfkar School Thrilled to Have Kits and Books

2010-05-05T10:45:00.000-07:00

Almost more than food itself, the instilled desire for education prevails in this culture. Children desperately want to attend school. Education represents hope. Hope for a better life and a better future. For each school we have visited in Dera, the first request is always the same: We have no books, please help us get books. In addition, school children must provide their own materials, which proves to be a financial burden to orphans and families working to provide even the most basic essentials in life.
We invite you to join our many volunteers who have supplied over 400 school kits and also raised money to buy over 1,000 school books written in the native language Affan Oromo.

Your school bag with supplies will put a smile on the face of a child and improve learning that lasts a lifetime.

Dentist Relieve Pain and Teach in Dera

2010-05-02T10:42:00.000-07:00

Working 3 long days in the Dera Health Clinic, Drs. Jason Horgesheimer, Renn Veater and Paul Hanna were able to treat over 456 patients. Seven assistants, 4 Ethiopian dental students from Addis Ababa University, and local health care workers helped the three dentists. Generators kept work going when electrical brownouts occurred.

This deeply appreciated service relieved severe pain, treated infection and provided health knowledge for the future. Incorporating students from the University benefited the knowledge and experience of upcoming Ethiopian dentist and also gave them a vision of the impact they can have working in rural communities. For the nearly 80 million Ethiopians, there are now just over 100 dentists, many of whom are 4 year undergraduate degrees.

Learning Who You Are

2010-04-29T10:38:00.000-07:00

My first trip to Ethiopia was March 2010. I met up with an amazing group of individuals at the Germany airport and began a journey that changed my life.

Gracious. That is the word that best describes the people of Ethiopia. From Woudneh and Betty (the couple who organized our stay in country), to the young children in the town of Dera, the kindness and graciousness of this people was evident everywhere you were.

Some highlights of my trip included: teaching children patience with the help of Kierstin, Katie, and a box of crayons; watching an elderly man draw a picture of his house; seeing many people line up at the clinic to see a dentist – some for the first time; and running through the nature reserve park in the pouring rain with a man in a purple suit.

You travel to a different part of the world with a hope of being able to help people in need but instead are taught more about who you are and how you should live. I have often wondered why people have such difficult circumstances in life; but have come to the conclusion that maybe the test is for us as much as it for them. The Hope Arising team is a great example of how this test is passed in life by stepping outside their world to supply something as simple as water to change the life of so many people. Thanks for allowing me to be part of your journey!

-Marianne from Canada

Committed to Clean Water

2010-04-29T09:07:00.000-07:00

As you may know I have become associated with an extraordinary organization called Hope Arising. It's been my privilege to travel to Ethiopia twice now on behalf of this non-government organization to conduct research for my doctoral dissertation. I am confident my studies in daily cultural traditions and practices will be utilized to assist in developing programs that will improve the quality of life for these beautiful people.

Presently, Hope Arising is working to bring clean water to a rural village called Dera. I have been amazed as I have sat at water sites and watched people of all ages wait their turn to fill their water cans with water (often not even clean) and carry it (it's about 50 pounds) up to 8 miles to their humble homes. What's been even more humbling and overwhelming to me is watching people wade in and gather rain water to sustain life.

I am humbled by the abundance in which we live, that we are able to access clean water so easily. We take so much for granted living in this great nation! As a result of my time in this country, I am passionately committed to doing all that I am capable of to help first bring clean water to this village and then help with family and community education of hygiene, literacy, micro finance and so forth. I know that my educational pursuits are a very important part of my preparation for my lifelong work in Ethiopia.

I am very proud to say that I have worked very hard over these past 2 years to pay my tuition in full with no debt. I am committed to maintaining this goal. (I will graduate with a Ph.D. in Lifespan Developmental Psychology from Arizona State University in May of 2011.)

As I will be making another necessary trip to Ethiopia in June to gather additional data, I am seeking funding. If you feel so inclined to support me in this venture, I would be very grateful. You can make a donation (in any amount) to Hope Arising (a tax deductible donation!) through their website. http://hopearising.org/contact.htm My goal is to raise at least $5000.

If you have further questions, please ask! But be warned, I LOVE talking about Ethiopia! :) Also, feel free to forward this to friends and colleagues that may be interested in supporting this special cause.

Thank you for your consideration and help.

If you are interested in learning more about how you and/or your organization can become involved in helping Hope Arising, let me know.

Best regards,

Jennifer Brinkerhoff

Progress in the Water Project

2010-04-25T10:37:00.000-07:00

When they have water, students stay in school, mothers cook more regular meals and bathe children, and individuals and families spend more time generating income to provide for their families. After three years of drought, the people of Dera have hope that clean water will soon flow into their community through a new pipeline. Two new reservoirs are under construction. Local workers are finding employment in the manual labor of chiseling and hauling away huge stones that block the pipeline's path. Join Hope Arising as we work bring water to this community.

Hard Work and Love of a Family

2010-04-21T08:40:00.000-07:00

Having the culture of this beautiful country wrap itself around me was something I'll never forget. The kindness, grit, humility, and strength of Ethiopia have taught me a valuable lesson. That no matter what we are given in life, the most important thing is being around those we love. Rather we have a house full of running water or a small mud/grass hut, what matters most is hard work and the love of a family. If we can feel that, we will never be left wanting. Our work towards a ready supply of water is underway. The joy and happiness that this water pipeline will bring the people of Dera cannot compare to what they have given us.

Dave Rich

April 2010

Hope Arising thanks you.

2010-01-19T10:27:00.000-08:00

The 1$ Challenge

2009-11-22T07:42:00.000-08:00

During the evening with Randal Wright, Hope Arising's, John Johnson also issued a challenge with a 1$ - share the dollar with someone else and tell them about Hope Arising and the work we do to help families and children who are orphaned in Dera, Ethiopia beginning with water.

Everyday we wake up and have water to bathe, water to cook, water to quench our thirst with a quick turn of numerous, convenient faucets. But in Dera things are different. Imagine waking at 4am to walk several miles in hopes that your 5 gallon water jug will make it through the line and there will be water. For the ten days we were in Dera- there was not ever water at that faucet. Hope Arising is puchasing pipe for a 20 mile water line from clean, mountain springs to serve 58,000 people in Dera and the surrounding area. Every dollar brings our water pipeline, closer to the people.

Thanks to each of you who attended our event with Randal Wright. From everyone we have talked to, the evening was rewarding and invaluable! It was a treat for me to laugh, relax, think and learn - there can be so much energy generated. Our sincere thanks to Randal for his willingness to come and share the magic of 3 Word Journal. If you were not able to attend you can still get the 3 Word Journal through Hope Arising- contact chantal@hopearising.org or call 602-549-0955.

So pass along to your friends the opportunity to really change lives this holiday season with the gift of water through your support of Hope Arising!

Unexpected Life

2009-11-05T06:21:00.000-08:00

Jennifer Brinkerhoff, who has helped in many ways with Hope Arising, has just had an article published here. It's a wonderful tribute to what you can do for those in Ethiopia through the way you live your life.

My Name Is Hope

2009-10-30T14:35:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to announce that Debbie West Coon will be performing her new song "My Name is Hope" (written by Kirsten Milsap) at our fund raiser with Randal Wright on November 14!

As Debbie considered this song for an upcoming album, she knew the words were expressing the feelings of her heart. She was questioning doing a second album but knew this song needed to be done. Everything came together serendipitiously and she was able to work with Sam Cardon, Ryan Wyler, and Richard Talbot in Prague to orchestrate the song, perform, and record it.

She has always known that music is an important part of her life mission and knows this song will touch many hearts, especially those in need, turmoil and hardship...bringing a message of HOPE!

Now she hopes this song will help the children of Ethiopia.

(Proceeds from the album will be donated to Hope Arising! Thank you Debbie!)

25 years... Famine

2009-10-21T21:15:00.000-07:00

It was scenes like these

that moved my young girl heart to want to help the children and families of Ethiopia.

It's been 25 years since the severe famine of Ethiopia.

I wonder how much has changed.

I want to help.

I'm so grateful for clarity in fulfilling my life's mission.

I'm so grateful for wise and inspiring mentors over the years.

Come meet one of them on Saturday, November 14, 2009. I know he'll motivate you too... after all, I believe that each of us has a specific mission to fulfill with the work of our lives.

Gifts of Hope

2009-10-18T20:40:00.000-07:00

For Christmas, my parents really like it if I give them meaningful gifts. In fact, one year instead of us kids giving them $10 wal-mart special gifts, my Mom asked that we develop a talent and give it to her for Christmas. For that Christmas my sister learned how to play a John Schmidt song, and I learned how to make it into a ring tone for her phone. Cool stuff, right?

I just want to put the idea in your head that if you gave someone the gift of coming to listen to Randal Wright speak, you are also giving the gift of water to someone else. Two presents with one ticket! Just an idea. :)

Jess

Like a Child

2009-10-12T21:30:00.000-07:00

Several weeks ago I had the opportunity to share some of my pictures and experiences of my summer trip to Ethiopia with my extended family. I was amazed at how captivated the children were, particularly my four 9 year old nieces. They were in tears asking what they could do to help. I asked them to follow their hearts...

They've started sewing school bags with their grandma... stitching with love, knowing that their aunt will hand deliver them to the school children who have next to nothing. This is a picture of one girl's school bag. She was so proud that she had this:

One of my little nieces made posters to hang in her neighborhood and classroom. She prints pictures from my blog and tells stories about her auntie's trip to Ethiopia. Her classmates have begun to respond in small and simple ways. They share their pennies and nickles and dimes.

As of last week they had collected a little over $3.00. She was a little shy to tell me about what felt like a nominal amount to her. But then I explained to her the impact... you see, that amount of money is sufficient to pay school fees for 2 children to attend school for a year.

She was delighted.

And motivated.

Ready to collect more.

I may get to be "show and tell" in a 3rd grade classroom when fall break is over!

Consider the impact if each of us was motivated to save our nickles and dimes? I have a jar started. And can't wait to count up my change and see how many children I can help.

Thank you for joining us in raising funds for the children and family in Dera, Ethiopia!

3 Word Timeline

2009-10-02T16:51:00.000-07:00

Check out this brief time line of my work in Ethiopia (Please note that each date is followed by a 3 word journal entry my personal journal entries are a bit longer.):

January 1985 (Childhood Ethiopian Fast) As a young girl I participated in a fast to benefit famine relief in Ethiopia. And I knew that one day I would go to that country to help.

June 2008 (Randal pushes PhD) I met Randal and Wendy Wright in Virginia. Randal asked me why I didn't have a PhD. I said I wasn't sure? He talked to me about keeping a 3 word journal and figuring out my life's mission. AND strongly encouraged me to get started on my PhD.

August 2008 (Return to College) I began a doctoral program (formally admitted November 2008) at Arizona State University.

November 2008 (Meeting Hope Arising) I met Chantal and Rochelle of Hope Arising and begged them to let me come along.

January 2009 (PDL miracle begins) I was granted a 12 month professional development leave from my employer (to focus on my studies) in a matter of weeks. It's typically up to a 12 month process.

June 2009 (IRB in 4 DAYS) One of my professors encouraged me to seek approval from the school's ethics committee (IRB) to conduct research in Ethiopia. It was approved in 4 days. Nothing short of a miracle, as it's typically a lengthy process.

July 2009 (1st Arrival Ethiopia) I stepped off an airplane in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. And I cried. It was more than a dream coming true.

Look at these 3 word patterns: I went from being discouraged, discontented, & directionless to being focused, content, & driven.

AND I have never been happier.

When we understand our life's mission, our life seems to become accelerated! Life has more meaning, purpose, and joy.

I'm looking forward to meeting each of you personally on Saturday, November 14, 2009 at either 5:00 or 7:30pm. Even more... I'm looking forward to you having the opportunity to meet Randal Wright and to learn how your life can change significantly for the better in just 3 words.

The Hope Arising Mission

2009-10-01T17:25:00.000-07:00

Hope Arising exists that each child will live healthy, gain education and achieve economic self-reliance for a future of hope. That is the mission of our organization! For us right now, that means getting clean water to the families in Dera, Ethiopia. Water is life. Mothers can not feed and bathe their children, but rather walk miles and wait days for water. It boggles the mind that in the 21st century world, conditions of such extremity still exist. And so we are committed to help these wonderful people in Dera.

A tremendous amount of thought, time and work is put into the identification and development of an organizational mission. Key to our success is knowing as an organization who we are, why we exist and how we will carry out this mission.

We have done this organizationally, but why do we not do this same process personally? Randal Wright has a phenomenal experience that can help each of us come to identify and develop our own personal mission. Every individual has a unique role to share and develop that will make a difference in the world.

Please join us for an evening to give and an evening to change as we learn more November 14 with this world renowned speaker and author, Randal Wright.

Water Works:in the Pipeline

2009-09-29T19:24:00.000-07:00

Why water for Dera, Ethiopia?

We want to introduce to you Woudneh Mulugeta - a man with a mission. Born in Dera as one of thirteen children, Woudneh was sent from home at age 8 to work. At 15 he left field work and served in the army where he later went to war. At the end of the war he was left to walk home across the eastern desert of Ethiopia with no money, no shoes and no water. He talked one shop keeper into giving him one pack of gum for a few cents. He sold it and paid her back and bought a second pack, sold it and so on until he had money to get home. Now a successful entrepreneur in Addis Ababa, Woudneh has not forgotten his family and his home in Dera. They have little water and he has worked valiantly to make this Dera Water project come to life.

Our tribute to a man who lives up to his mission in bringing life-sustaining water to his home!

Giving Hope, Finding Purpose

2009-09-29T07:07:00.000-07:00

We are excited to announce Randal Wright will be coming to speak on November 14th! His book, 3 Word Journal, is one that will help you to find your purpose in life. As Randal puts it, "...everyone has a purpose in life and we all need to find out what that is...our experiences...have prepared us to do something important."

We invite you to participate and give hope to those without water this holiday season. A silent auction, Randal Wrights book, and Wicked Fancy purses will all be a part of the event. Please come and support the Hope Arising organization.

Randal will be speaking at 5pm and 7:30pm at the MCC library. All ticket sales go directly to the Hope Arising water project in Dera, Ethiopia.