Committed to Clean Water

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