Earlier this year, we began to feel strongly that one of us should go to Ethiopia, but had absolutely no idea when, how, or most importantly WHY. But soon, God began to clearly lay out a plan for when and how this trip was to happen. Julie found herself involved with an organization called A Glimmer of Hope. We knew little about them, but the details for the trip almost worked themselves out. The more we learned about this incredible organization, the more we loved them. And God literally orchestrated every step of the way, including who was to travel with Julie on the trip.

So in June of this year, Julie set out on a life-changing journey. Little did we know what was about to take place. Halfway through the trip, her group was led to the village where our son, Cruz, was born; literally, the mud hut where he took his first breath…and his birth mother took her last. Seeing his grandmother again and spending the day with her allowed Julie to see firsthand the beauty and pain of seeing her grandson’s birth and her daughter’s death, and created a bond she never dreamt was possible. Our two families are now forever joined in a way that goes far beyond mere adoption paperwork!

Seeing the journey these beautiful people make each day to lug 40+ pounds of water through the muddy trails and treacherous, slick, rocky slopes with no shoes, and yet still with smiling faces, brings new meaning to the word “heartbreaking.” And the real heartbreak is that the water they find is unknowingly infested with leech larvae and other parasites; and by the time they exhibit the symptoms of the diseases, it’s too late to save them. 80% of deaths in that area are due to water-borne illnesses.

So that night while Julie was sleeping under the mosquito net with no electricity and complete darkness, God called us, beyond a shadow of a doubt, to bring clean water to the people of Chuko (Cruz’s village). Not only clean water, but when it was done, to dedicate it to the honor of Cruz’s birth mother. So hopefully, in some way, it would bring some meaning to the devastating loss experienced by Cruz’s precious grandmother. We were determined to help make a difference.

What does this mean for our family? After initial testing was completed by the Glimmer team, it was determined that a deep borehole well would be needed to supply over 2,500 members of the Chuko village with clean water. After the shock wore off of the significance of the fundraising project (the cost of this deep borehole was more than double what we had expected), we realized it was not just OUR project--it was God's, and that $193,000 is no more difficult for Him than $50,000. And as a family, it’s been indescribable to see our three older children get a hold of this and turn their focus from themselves and onto this cause and the potential it has to literally save the lives of those living in their brother’s home village. From door-to-door sales of beaded necklaces crafted by African women, to sacrificing their birthday presents an opting instead for donations to our “Dig Deep” fund, it’s been amazing to see them transform before our eyes.

So as the Christmas season approaches, we invite you all to join with us as we “Dig Deep” in order to change the lives of those who cannot enjoy something we take for granted every day. Clean Water. . .what a concept. Be creative. Go a little crazy. Think about donating in someone else’s name in lieu of a traditional gift. It’s exciting to think of all the possibilities, but more than that, it’s going to be incredible to know that we’ve been able to play a part in reaching “the least of these.”

We love you all and cannot thank you enough for joining with us as we ANSWER THE CALL!

Rob & Julie Neal

P.S. A little info about A Glimmer of Hope: first of all, 100% OF ALL DONATIONS go directly to funding proejcts (even credit card and Paypal fees are reimbursed by Glimmer and back to the projects)!

Glimmer's mission is to lift women, children and families out of extreme poverty in rural Ethiopia. Using an entrepreneurial model developed by the organization, it provides clean water, schools, health clinics and microfinance loans. Over the last 10 years, A Glimmer of Hope has improved 2.5 million lives. Through photos, video and GPS coordinates, donors personally experience how their contributions, large and small, are changing lives. By supporting my campaign, you can choose to receive email updates throughout the year on the project we complete together and the lives touched by it. A Glimmer of Hope listens to and partners with communities to build and maintain projects, ensuring sustainability. Recently, founders Donna and Philip Berber were ranked #6 globally on Barron's list of The Best 25 Givers, based on effectiveness and impact. We greatly appreciate your support of our campaign. On behalf of those who lives are forever transformed by your generosity, thank you.