completed projects

2016

2016 Annie B’s Community drive

BTG received $10,797 from the Annie B's Community Drive. I couldn't help but reflect on the past ten years of Annie B's. BTG has received $152,838 from Annie B's in the past 10 years, which means that 4,093 Africans have received clean water, sanitation, and training in hygiene for life. I am forever grateful for your encouragement, giving, and prayers for the past ten years. What a team effort! A special thank you goes to North Valley Community Foundation, who organizes the event that reminds us to be generous in giving.

african hospitality institute

It was so fun to surprise Maggie Josiah, the Founder of the African Hospitality Institute, with $5,000 to complete a safe water project. A big thank you goes out to all the donors. African Hospitality Institute, AHI, is a place in Uganda where you can enjoy deep friendships, beauty, and delicious prepared meals, but still have the opportunity to do rural water projects, mudding, teaching, and to mingle with people who have great needs. When staying at AHI, we are giving an opportunity for young adults to learn hospitality skills to become employable after two years of training. AHI is a win-win and a safe haven for all that are being trained and visiting.

hygiene training grant

$500 was just sent to Sarah Tukashaba for her work in Uganda. She traveled with us this summer and was a part of our Hygiene Training in rural schools. Sarah travels throughout the year, training people about the importance of hygiene. Sarah Tukashaba is an amazing woman. Her family has chosen to live simply so others can live.

7-day climb: june 24th, 2016

We all reached the top! Some vomited, some had diarrhea, some were short of breath, some wanted to quit. Everyone experienced freezing temperatures. Still, with each other’s encouragement, the help of the guides, inner strength from God, and the many prayers whispered at home, we made it to the top as a team. I will never forget the experience...so humbling. Sixteen strong Americans left to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, along with a team of 50 Africans to assist us. Not one of us would have made it without them. There is no transversing...just straight ascent. I would do it again, but the descent is too brutal. It would be great to have several zip lines to come down on. I want to thank each one of you that gave, prayed, and encouraged our team. Together, climbers, helpers, givers, prayers and encouragers will make an impact on thousands of Ethiopians with clean water, sanitation, and training in hygiene. Yes, I am forever grateful and tears of gratitude are streaming as I write this.

8th annual walk4water

We all had to make a choice to walk in the rain or not. I am content with all the decisions that were made. As I looked at everyone that participated, all I can say is that there were a lot of smiles. Even though I was sick, I had soooo much fun! We raised $34,000 during the W4W season and $24,000 was matched, bringing the total to $58,000. 1,450 Africans will receive clean water, sanitation, and training in hygiene for life because you walked and gave.

the gift of water

I can’t stop looking at these photos. This week has been quite full with Boutiques, Farmers Market, and the Alternative Gift Fair to raise awareness and money for clean water in Africa. This morning I was rewarded with these pictures. I know I will walk around today with a smile on my face and in my heart. God in his goodness has allowed us to work together to give the precious gift of water to this village.

Safe water brings words of joy

The latest hand-pumped well drilled in Uganda brought great joy to a village of 700. Read some of the comments from friends of the village:

“Water is life, and safe water is very critical to the community members. That’s real service beyond self. God bless.”

“Life changing for those women, such a great thing, good job.”

“I can’t wait to see you and all the good work that has been going on. What a privilege to know many of you. Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much. Grant and I are going to celebrate today!” -Shirley

”You should have been here....it was awesome! Full of tears of Joy, plays, drama, music, food all done by local people, very exciting, thank you for making it happen...it's a dream come true for these 700 people!” -Alfred