We’re running a series of blog posts highlighting WaterAfrica friends and the reasons they participate in our annual Walk4Water.
If you’ve been to recent WaterAfrica events you may have looked at or even purchased beautiful goods made by Claire Murray. This is her story:
I first learned of WaterAfrica’s work at a Lake Grove Presbyterian Church mission fair. I was thunderstruck by the great need contrasted with the simple amount of $35 to provide one person with a lifetime supply of clean water. I retired in 2005 from a counseling practice and I knew that when the family need for my time diminished I wanted to find meaningful volunteer work. Providing clean water to transform the quality of life for a village, especially for the women and girls, seemed so worthy.
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| Claire (left) + friends selling merchandise at W4W4 |
I invited Bill and Diane to speak in our home to a small group of our friends. At that time I asked if they would ever consider selling things I make with all proceeds benefiting WaterAfrica. I was nervous about proposing this, thinking it wasn’t something they would want to do, but in fact they took the question to the board where the idea was well received.
From that moment I have had great, great joy in making all sorts of things to sell at various events. So many others have been supportive – donating fabric, encouraging me, and buying my wares! I am so grateful for my husband Steve’s unwavering support for my work on this project.
As I work on each item I feel the presence of the women and girls across all those miles, and think of how far they must be walking that day while I’m making something I hope will lift their burden. One of my favorite hymns speaks of holy hands and in some small way I feel God’s spirit moving my hands, and what a blessing that is.
Why do You walk? We’d love to hear your stories. Please share them in the comments or email jsearls@waterafrica.org if you’d be willing to let us feature your story in future posts.
