Global Team of 200

Every year since I was young I have given up something or promised “to do” something for Lent. Lent is the period of 40 days before Easter (not including Sundays), and it starts with Ash Wednesday, which this year is today, February 13th. The purpose of giving something up is to be focused less on this world and to prepare our hearts to welcome the risen Christ. In previous years I have committed to daily Bible reading, given up swearing (not this year, sorry), and one year I even gave up sugar. (via WaterAid - I’m Drinking Water for Lent - Window on the WorldWindow on the World)

In the wake of the tragedy in Newtown, Conn., Save the Children, together with Children’s Health Fund, Every Child Matters, First Focus, Harlem Children’s Zone and Share Our Strength, has launched a petition urging the Obama Administration and Congress to establish a National Commission on Children. The partner organizations will send their signed call for action to the White House prior to the President’s State of the Union address on Feb. 12. (via Save the Children - Let’s Keep America’s Children SafeWindow on the World)

When I was a kid, my family had a well. It had an electric pump, and the only problems we had were when an earwig crawled into the control box and shorted out the system, or when the PH balance got a little off and we had to chlorinate the water for a day to kill the sulfur smell. I’m sure some of my readers have similar stories. But can you imagine what it would be like if you had to search all day just to find a water supply, no matter if it was safe to drink or not? Worldwide 800 million people do not have access to clean water and 2.5 billion have nowhere safe and clean to go to the toilet. (via WaterAid - Everyone Deserves Clean Water - Window on the WorldWindow on the World)

Did you know that human trafficking has been reported in all 50 states in the U.S.? Trafficking rates are particularly high in California, Texas, Florida, and New York. force, fraud, or coercion for the purpose of exploitation. This horrific practice can include prostitution, (via How Many Slaves Work For You? - Unicef End TraffickingWindow on the World)

I was very lucky almost 21 years ago to deliver a very healthy baby with the help of wonderful hospital staff in a state-of-the-art hospital. 3 years later I was blessed again. No complications, no problems. (via Save a Life This Christmas with a Donation to Maternity WorldwideWindow on the World)

Giving Tuesday is not a charity to donate to, but a call to action. How can we give back and focus on “the reason for the season” instead of the glitz and gifts? (via Giving Tuesday: A New Way to Celebrate the HolidaysWindow on the World)

One in seven people goes to bed hungry every night. Not because there isn’t enough food, but because of deep imbalances in access to resources like fertile land and water. (via World Food Day is October 16th - How Can We Help?Window on the World)