Run4Water

Perspective. It’s important to think outside the four walls you live in and consider what actions we take for granted. Something as simple as having clean water to drink, cook with, and splash on our faces at the simple act of flicking the faucet is just steps away at any time of the day for us. For some communities, acquiring water is a task that can take days, and in some cases is barely an option.

Through my adventures and misadventures and maybe a bit of fate, I’ve been privileged enough to meet a gentleman named Greg Armstrong that started making a difference when he ran an ultramarathon with the cause in mind to raise money and help those less fortunate gain access to clean water. What started as an act of good will has become an small miracle. Run4Water is not a gigantic organization, and it does not have a payroll or unrealistic ambitions, but it is a humble 501(c)(3) nonprofit created by a group of well-intended people to do what they can to better this world we live in. Run4Water has made differences in Tennessee, Haiti, Nicaragua, Honduras, Kenya, and Uganda by building wells, repairing wells that are in disrepair, providing functional footwear, and providing feminine hygiene products through their 84 days program (84 days is the average number of days girls and young women miss school/work due to lack of feminine hygiene products).

This year I’m privileged to Ride4Water. From now through Labor Day, every ride will be an effort to raise awareness and financial support to fund a project in Uganda that will allow access to clean water for those that are currently without. I invite you to get involved, ride with me, share ideas, and work together to make a change. A little help goes a long way, and I invite you to join me on this journey.

With gratitude, ambition, and joy,

Rebecca

Do you want to join me and Ride4Water, too? Let’s do this!

Brayan Castro Almendarez is an energetic, kind, friendly, God-fearing 13 year-old boy who is a wonderful blessing to everyone he encounters. Brayan was born in the United States, but after 10 years, he moved back to his parent's home country of Honduras. Because of his mother's battle with cancer, she wished to be with her family while she received treatment. While in Honduras, Brayan remained faithful to God through prayer and devotion even though he faced many trials. Brayan wasn't able to go to school because of his parents needed another source of income, so Brayan spent his days excessively fishing and attempting to sell homemade goods to people who passed by the sleepy docks that lead to Boca del Rio Viejo. Brayan, who has never met a stranger, loves singing praises to God and spreads the Good News to his friends. Run4Water first encountered Brayan early in the summer of 2013. After a few months of building relationships, Brayan shared his testimony and expressed his longing to return to the United States. When asked, Brayan explains that he wants to return to the US to help support his family. God opened many doors, and Run4Water was able to sponsor his return to the United States in November of 2013. Although a generous family has offered their home to Brian, Run4Water has created a fund for Brayan. All money donated will support Brayan on a monthly basis, and any excess will be saved for Brayan to use in the future. Please consider signing up for a monthly gift to support Brayan and his new life in the US.