In the heat of the afternoon the electricity went off.  Again.

Which means the water pump stopped working.  Again.

Which means Jerry Cans of water needed to be hauled –  Water to drink, cook, clean, and wash.

I watched the house-moms of Project Hope, Uganda carry jugs balanced on their heads.

By this time I had seen so many women and children carrying Jerry cans.  They made it look easy.

I asked to carry the water.  Carefully I lifted, anxious not to slosh, but could only lift it as high as my shoulder.  There was no way I was getting the jug onto my head.  The moms laughed at me.   I’m sure I looked silly.  I was self-conscious, hoping they didn’t think I was making light of their chore.

But this was serious.

So serious.

I knelt before the moms.  They placed a rolled tea towel on my head and then gently placed the Jerry Can on top.   Slowly and carefully I stood.

The water was heavy, but nothing compared to the weight of the daily life of these people I loved so much.  Under my breath I prayed that I wouldn’t spill a drop.

Fulfillment of the simplest human need requires so much work for much of the World’s population.

Rarely in our lives are we able to walk in someone else’s shoes.

Today, I’m asking you to take a walk.  Pick up something heavy, put it on your head, and walk the perimeter of your home, your gym, your work.  If you’re able, grab a 5 gallon jug of water – roughly 45 lbs.

  Moms in Uganda will be hauling water today too.  They’ll be carrying it from far away, barefoot on gravel in the equatorial heat.  They’ll likely have a child on their back and a toddler by the hand.  Then they’ll do it twice more before they sleep.

Please take a walk with the weight and share on Instagram or Facebook.  Hashtag it #jerrycanchallenge.  Challenge your friends to do the same and donate $10 to Project Hope Worldwide to build more homes for orphans.

 It only takes $25,000 for eight children to live in safety and security, with clean water, food, medical attention, education, and spiritual discipleship.