philanthropy spotlight: Blood:Water Mission

note from Bethany: Each Friday this summer I am going to highlight a nonprofit organization making a difference in this world. This series is to introduce you to some organizations you might not have heard of and give you an opportunity to be involved in a problem you are passionate about. If you have an organization you would like to be featured, please let me know about it by commenting on this post or emailing me at bethanyplanton@gmail.com. 

 

 

Blood:Water Mission 

 

 

Founded by the members of the band Jars of Clay, Blood:Water Mission is a grassroots organization that empowers communities to work together against the HIV/AIDS and water crises in Africa. There is a vital link between living with HIV/AIDS and the need for clean water. In 2005, Blood:Water launched the 1000 wells project “as a nation-wide effort to raise enough money to provide clean water and sanitation to 1000 communities in sub-Saharan Africa based on the equation that $1 provides one African with clean water for an entire year.”

Blood:Water Mission Stats:

Stats from Blood:Water Mission

Stats from Blood:Water Mission

You can connect with them through their website, Twitter, and Facebook.

I am featuring Blood:Water Mission for two reasons:

1. This organization is making a difference in African countries.
2. I have a chance to have a story published in a book called Couch Rebels: Because stories like this aren’t told by potatoes. “For every copy of Couch Rebels sold, the organization, Blood:Water Mission, will be able to provide three people with clean water for one year. The goal of this Cause is to sell 15,000 copies, which means that 45,000 lives can be directly impacted through your participation in this CausePub project!”  My story The Adventures of a Kazakhstan Junkie tells of the first time I traveled to Kazakhstan. Will you take a moment and vote for my story to be published in Couch Rebels? You do need a Facebook or Twitter account to vote. 
   

how to communicate when you don’t know what to communicate

In 1942, Abraham Maslow published a paper called “The Theory of Human Motivation.” In this paper, he presented his hierarchy of needs. In this theory, the most fundamental needs are presented in the lowest level of the pyramid. His theory is a person does not move up in the next level of need until the lower level is met.

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

Why do I tell you about Maslow’s hierarchy of needs? To show we all have needs.

• We need oxygen to breath.
• We need water and food to have strength to do work.
• We need sleep to recover the day’s activities.
• We have a need for relationships and we have needs to keep our relationships healthy.

One of the needs we have to keep our relationships healthy is communication. Communication is crucial to every relationship. And ”what kills relationships is miscommunication and misunderstanding (The 5 Money Personalities).”

Understanding that doesn’t make communication any easier though. There are times when we feel we need to communicate with our spouse or a friend, but we just don’t know what to communicate.

Many evenings as my Love and I are getting ready for bed one of us will ask the other what he/she needs.It is a time to check in with each other to see what we can be doing for each other to fulfill the other’s need and improve our relationship. But I sometimes I find answering this question is difficult.

I can feel that I need something from him, but I cannot put my finger on it. I cannot verbalize what I need. 

When this happens, I like to pull out a blank sheet of paper and start writing. I just let myself word vomit on the page. I just write whatever comes to me.  I use this as an opportunity to process through our relationship, my feelings, and my needs. This writing is meant for only me. This writing generally helps bring me much needed clarity on my needs.

If there are things I want to discuss with my Love, I can then bring them up in conversation or write him a note at a later time.

Your spouse has needs as well. Here is an article on Start Marriage Right on how to identify your spouse’s greatest needs and start meeting those needs.

“Good communication is as stimulating as black coffee and just as hard to sleep after.” – Anne Morrow Lindbergh

your turn: how do you communicate when you don’t know what to communicate? 

activism vs slacktivism

Recently I wrote a piece for my friend Josh’s blog titled everyone is an activist. I believe everyone has the ability to be an activist. We all have causes and ideas we are passionate about. Some are passionate about the environment. Others making sure children around the world have food. We can’t help but share these with our friends and family in conversations, posts on Facebook, tweets, etc. Our passions just spill out of us. And these are great first steps about getting information out about the cause we are passionate about.

But since writing that piece I have come to realize true activism has another step. To be an activist, we must actually support the cause with our money and/or our time. Organizations cannot feed the hungry or vaccinate the sick or plant trees or provide education without money or volunteers. Organizations need our time and they need our money to be able to accomplish their mission.

Yes, it is easy to help increase awareness by sharing it through a Facebook status or a tweet, and those are good things. But real activism takes commitment. It takes intentionality. It takes blood, sweat, & tears. It will cost you. But through it you will find life’s purpose. You will be fulfilled.

So what are you passionate about? What makes you excited? What organization do you think just hits the nail right on the head? Go, support that organization. Grow your passion. Be intentional. Be committed. It won’t be easy, but it will be worth it.

your turn: how can you be more of an activist? 

*These thoughts were fueled by the Idealist Blog’s article UNICEF Takes A Stand Against Slacktivism.

before tomorrow comes

 

note from Bethany: This is the third post of a three part series on sharing real life stories of living bigger than yourself. You can read the first one here and the second one here. This last one is written by my Love Gary. Gary has also written Valuable Amateurs, Principle: little word, and Principle: big word.

 

I couldn’t sleep I had to listen

To a conscience knowing so well

That nothing comes from indifference

I look inside of myself

 

Will I find some kind of conviction?

Will I bid the hero farewell?

Will I be defined by things that could have been?

I guess time will only tell

I guess time will only tell

 

So don’t let it be

Before tomorrow comes

Before you turn away

Take a hand in need

You could change everything

 

- Alter Bridge ‘Before Tomorrow Comes’ first verse and chorus  

Several years ago the youth group of my home church did what they do every year, and hosted a 30-hour famine.  This event is designed to give youth the opportunity to understand what it is like to go without food and other comforts most of us take for granted and to also give back to their communities by doing service projects.  I had been involved in my church’s youth group for about three years during this particular famine, and several of the older youth boys wanted to take the idea of the famine to heart and not just do it one weekend a year, but commit to a whole year of weekly service.  I was stoked and stunned at the same time. I told them that if they were serious about committing to their idea, then I would be their ‘mentor’ through the process and help them find a permanent project they could do once a week.

Photo Credit: Kids Health

Alter Bridge is one of my favorite bands, and ironically enough, the CD that contained this song had just recently been released when the guys wanted to start their service project commitment. I never told them this, but I kind of made this song my personal theme song during this time. The lyrics to the song couldn’t describe the attitude of our group of men any better. Experiencing even just a taste of what many people in our communities lack can have a profound effect, and it is so true that taking a single hand in need can change everything.

The mission project we decided on was to help a local downtown ministry called Blood-N-Fire [now called Inside Out]. This ministry really defies description in what it attempts to do for the people in our downtown; they provided a food kitchen, after school activities, manual labor for the elderly, lawn mowing services, landscaping, home maintenance, a thrift shop, and Sunday worship services for different age groups. The work we did ranged from sorting clothes to babysitting after school activities to helping build houses. It didn’t matter how big or small the task seemed; nothing was beneath those kids, and no task was too great. I can’t remember any task that Bob, the director, gave them that they did not complete. These were men who didn’t want to be defined by what they could have been.  And for a few people in our community, they changed everything.

is your relationship worth 46cents?

 

note from Bethany: This is the second post of a three part series on sharing real life stories of living bigger than yourself. You can read the first one how much is “enough”? here. Today, I share one of my stories.  

 

 

 

I don’t remember when I started writing letters to my family and friends. I can’t really remember not doing it so the habit must have started in early elementary. Growing up, I loved to write letters to my grandma, aunt, and cousins.

Now I have graduated from the Lisa Frank and American Girl stationary (sort of), but I still have a habit of sending a fair share of letters and cards.

• I love to send little notes to my niece, nephews, and sister decorating the envelopes with lots of stickers just to let them know I love them.
• I love to send thank you notes anytime I receive a gift so the giver knows I appreciate his/her thoughtfulness.
• I love to send birthday cards and anniversary cards and Christmas cards.
• I love to send Congratulations cards when a friend does something fantastic.
• I love writing notes for my Love and putting them in his lunch.

Every once in a while, I will hear from a friend how much a card made his/her day, but most of the time I don’t know. And that is ok.

Photo credit: Josh Zimmerman

I know there have been plenty of times when notes have made my day. Like when I was in Kazakhstan missing home and I would have a note from one of my family members or friends to read or when my Love hid notes in our apartment for me to find or when friends have written how much I mean to them. I have a shoebox full of such letters and notes from over the years. Every so often I pull the box down off the shelf and read through those notes. It always lifts my spirit because handwritten notes are priceless.

Receiving a handwritten note can mean the world to the receiver and only cost the writer a little time and a few cents. But it does take intentionality. It takes some planning. That planning is worth it though, and it is a simple way to live bigger than yourself and have a huge impact on someone else.

your turn: who do you need to write a note to today? 

how much is “enough”?

note from Bethany: This is the first post of a three part series on sharing real life stories of living bigger than yourself. This one is written by my friend Josh. Josh & I have been friends since high school, and he has a huge heart for others. He has shared on Coffee Shop Communication before with To google or not to google and Guilty Pleasures. Now, Josh writes at Off the Shelf about embracing the random and living with passion. 

 

When I first heard about Bethany’s series on making a difference, my first thought was, Man, I wish you had asked me this a few years ago. Opportunities to volunteer were endless throughout my school years. I always enjoyed time spent in service. Some experiences that stick out:

• Language and culture exchange in Hong Kong
• “Purging” at GoodWill
• Sorting non-perishable food items at a men’s shelter with Korean students visiting Ball State
• Building a playground
• Cleaning toilets at local businesses (Even Taco Bell…)
• Helping with block parties
• Mentoring youth
• International student orientation at Ball State

The experiences I’ve had are varied, but each connects with a common thread–they have provided new perspective. I’m often reminded of how fortunate I am, and I’m often encouraged to find ways others are helping out in whatever capacity they’re able. Reflecting on that reality got me thinking again about Bethany’s question.

A bit of background on me: I got an English degree with a Chinese minor, and I now manage a commercial farm using Spanish and English daily. Other managers are native Spanish speakers, but I occasionally help translate because my farm is closest to the office. I enjoy it, and my experiences in diverse linguistic settings make me very comfortable asking for clarification when I don’t understand.

I recently translated for our nurse and HR representative. I’ve helped each of these ladies before, and they’re constantly helping me as well. I didn’t feel like I had ’saved the day’ by any means, but to them my help was a huge relief. Simply by being available, I was able to smooth out their day. My instinct was, This is too simple to use for Bethany’s series.

One of the same co-workers has a seven year-old son that shares a love of mine: Adventure Time, a hilariously entertaining cartoon I watch. I’ve been reading the comic books for Adventure Time lately, and I lend him the books to read. He recently sent me a thank you card, and she let me know that reading the comics keeps him very focused and out of trouble. They’re expecting their fifth baby soon, so I sent a bigger stack of comics this time to help ease the craziness around the house. Again I wondered, Isn’t this too easy?

I joined a book club last year, and I’ve become great friends with another member; we’re kindred spirits if ever they existed. She is a writer who has inspired me tremendously, and our friendship is refreshing and rejuvenating for us both. Similarly, I’ve deepened multiple friendships in the past year and reconnected with people. I figured these might get me partial credit, right?

It wasn’t until reading more on Bethany’s blog that I slowed down and got practical. I would never suggest to somebody else that making a difference has to be complicated or difficult. By making yourself available, enjoying your passions and being yourself, you will undoubtedly make a difference.

I say that with confidence because of people who have impacted my life. It’s not the people who gave me the most money. In fact, it’s not even the people I see most often, necessarily. Instead, it’s the people who have been there when it really counts. It’s also the people who remain true to themselves, regardless of the support or challenges they offer me.

Live with passion. Embrace the random. Be YOU.
It matters.

bread & wine by shauna niequist

“Bread & Wine is a collection of stories about life around the table – about family, friendships, and meals that bring us together. It is Bacon-Wrapped Dates and Mango Chicken Curry and Blueberry Crisp. It’s about the ways God teaches and nourishes us as we nourish the people around us. It’s about recipes, entertaining ideas, and meals to share with friends and family, made by hand and with love.

Many of the most sacred moments in my life, the ones in which I feel God’s presence most profoundly, when I feel the goodness of the world most arrestingly, take place around the table. Something extraordinary happens when we slow down, open our homes, look into one another’s faces, and listen to one another’s stories around the table.

This is my love letter to life around the table.”

Do not read this book on an empty stomach! My mouth started watering with the first chapter. Shauna grabbed my attention and won my heart right away talking about blueberry crisp. I love all things blueberry, and now I can’t wait for blueberry season so I can try out the recipe! I felt connected with her immediately.

Then she just kept going. She admitted she doesn’t like listening to Prairie Home Companion and later in the book that summer is her favorite season.

Shauna has a way with words and how she describes parties and get togethers and recipes. You can almost smell the brownies baking or the chicken cooking. You can hear the laughter, and you feel the tears. She weaves food and community together into a beautiful, real, passionate picture for the reader.

Community. It is all about community. And what brings us better together than food?

This book is inspiring and stimulating. While I was reading, I was dreaming and planning meals I could serve. Bread & Wine got my creative juices flowing and re-ignited my love for hosting others. You will find this book chalked full of practical recipes and ideas for hospitality along with heart warming stories of community.

your turn: what is your favorite food to serve?

note from bethany: The book I am reviewing for you today is a complementary copy provided by BookSneeze, Thomas Nelson’s book review bloggers program. Shauna Niequist is the author of Cold Tangerines and Bittersweet. She live outside Chicago with her husband Aaron, and their sons, Henry and Mac. At www.shaunaniequiest.com, Shauna writes about family, friendship, faith, and life around the table. 

8 volunteer date ideas

Sometimes we need dates to focus on our relationship, but sometimes it is great to have a date to serve others. “When you serve others, you get your eyes off yourself. Faced with the needs of others, your own problems seemingly diminish.” This allows you another way to be generous with your spouse. Plus, you will see your spouse in a new light. 

So I thought I would share with you my volunteer date ideas and ask to hear yours. Some of these ideas you might want to do once. Others you might consider committing to doing them once a month for a year.

Volunteer to: 

• Collect food for a food bank/pantry
• Serve a meal at a homeless shelter
• Walk dogs or clean up animal areas at a pet shelter
• Be a part of a church ministry together – worship team, lead a small group, youth group leaders, mentor younger couples
• Offer to help an elderly neighbor/friend/family member clean their home or take care of their yard
• Set-up for a nonprofit’s fundraiser
• Help build a house with organizations like Habitat for Humanity
• Go on a humanitarian aid trip – This one obviously requires a large commitment both in time and money, but it is well worth it.

For other date ideas, check out 10 spring date ideas and 14 holiday date ideas.

your turn: what volunteer activity do you enjoy doing with your spouse?

how to have a life of purpose and meaning

“Life isn’t about you. Life is about you being made uncomfortable so you can be used to serve others.” – Jeff Goins in The Wrecked Sessions: episode 5

Jennifer VanElk Photography

My hope is that the more we dive into the topic of living bigger than ourselves you will see it is not a one time event. It is a change in our lifestyles. It is a change in our head and in our hearts. This type of change requires commitment.

Commitment to . . .

• God
• Ourselves
• Our family & friends
• Ethics
• Character
• Growing & learning
• Loving
• Listening
• Honesty
• Trust
• Taking responsibility

It is ok to be totally freaked out by commitment. Committing to something can be a huge risk. But don’t let the fear paralyze you and keep you from committing.

• Commit to something small at first. Build up to committing to larger things.
• Find a community of people who are committed to living for others, living bigger than themselves. You will become like those you hang out with. “Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.” Proverbs 13:20

Commitment leads to a real life of purpose and meaning. Are you willing to commit your life to serving others and living bigger than yourself?

your turn: what are you committed to? 

not silent, but cannot be said

“Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent.” – Victor Hugo

Isn’t Victor Hugo’s quote so true? How often is there something we want to express and find it best to express through music?

I mean, think about young love and how every couple has “their song.” Our song is Michael Buble’s Crazy Love. My Love used it when he proposed to me and then we danced to it at our wedding.

Well, below are nine songs that I think really express the essence of living bigger than yourself. Many times I put this playlist on repeat while I am writing or filling out grant applications. It gets me pumped up and reminds me why I am doing what I am doing.

 

Read more about Gaucho and Kings & Queens.

your turn: what song(s) do you think express the idea of living bigger than ourselves?