by Shelton Owen

{Editor’s note: New blogger Shelton Owen reflects on the devastating tornadoes that struck the Midwest a few weeks ago, her thoughts turn from unpreventable tragedy to the entirely preventable problems faced by people in Niger who lack access to clean water.}

As tornadoes sweep across the country, destroying anything and anyone in their path, people are left with broken hearts and crumbled hope. The surface of the earth is swept clean, taking out homes, schools, businesses, and many innocent lives. A horrific act of nature, unplanned and unwelcome, can shake the lives of many, turning the world upside down in a matter of seconds. Though right now the pain is raw, thoughts clouded by the grief, I truly believe there is something we can all learn from these experiences. It may take months or even years, but the struggles we must trek through in this life will shape us into warriors, filled with wisdom and strong souls.

One of my favorite quotes of all time, a short but powerful string of words, is this, “Our scars remind us where we’ve been, but they don’t have to dictate where we’re going.” Those affected by these recent storms have been gashed, wounds open and exposed. Over time, the cuts will begin to heal, the scabs will form, and eventually the scars will set in-permanent though they become more faint as time passes. This monster’s victims will never forget what took place, but my prayer is that they can use their own pain as motivation to act-to change the things they can and accept those they cannot.

As the rest of us in the country looks on, we often find ourselves reflecting upon our own lives, counting blessings and thinking about the “what ifs.” Sometimes, it takes a core-shaking event like this to make us become aware of life’s imperfections. When we face the reality that life isn’t fair and not all things can be explained, it’s easy to let it drag us down. My belief is that rather than focusing on the negative, it’s so much more rewarding to turn this experience into something bigger-to go beyond. Rather than sitting in our comfortable homes, feeling devastated yet powerless, let’s take action.

When it comes to preventing tornadoes, we truly don’t have control, but when it comes to the epidemic occurring in the country of Niger, we are anything but helpless. Wells Bring Hope is an organization that makes a difference, which chooses to address the heartbreaking issue of limited access to sanitized drinking water. Wells Bring Hope is a network made up of everyday people who chose to take a step. The first step in the direction of success is to simply raise awareness. By eliminating what I call the “bubble mindset”, we are able to have a global understanding of the shortfalls in water sanitation systems. What I mean by the “bubble mindset” is that when we focus on our own life and only what we see, we find ourselves forgetting the world outside of our scope, the people not necessarily near us but still in need. The people of Niger may be thousands of miles from you and me, but in reality, are we not all one?

Esperance Klugan, National Director for World Vision Niger with his little friend Safura in San Sane Hausa. Safura, a four-year-old girl that the National Director of World Vision Niger met while out on a field visit. Unlike other children in the rural areas of Niger, Safura was eager to befriend the team and especially Esperance, whom she really took to. Perhaps her warmth towards him is proof that, when you care for children they know it, even without you saying it. Summary: Safura a little girl in a village called San Sane Hausa, takes to the National Director. Her openness and warmth, which is uncharacteristic of people in the rural areas of Niger is surprising. Could this be a type of “positive deviance”? Africa

{A World Vision staff member and a Nigerien child}

We are humans, humans that eat, drink, love, and hurt. Through the work of Wells Bring Hope, your prayers, and donations, a change can be made. The daily obstacle to find safe, clean drinking water for their families is one that a multitude of people in Niger face, and one that can be eliminated. In fact, only 60% of the people in rural areas merely have access to a sanitized water source. It is clear measures must be taken to combat this prevalent issue. The task will take time, hard work, and the combined efforts of people like you and me, but it is anything but impossible.

Save