Blessing Beyond the Grave

I have been hearing about this wonderful story all week, and I wanted to take a moment to share it with my readers too. Nine-year old Rachel Beckwith had a special wish for her 9th birthday. She didn't want any presents but, instead, she asked people to donate to Charity Water.

In her own words: "I found out that millions of people don't live to see their 5th birthday. And why? Because they didn't have access to clean, safe water so I'm celebrating my birthday like never before. I'm asking from everyone I know to donate to my campaign instead of gifts for my birthday. Every penny of the money raised will go directly to fund freshwater projects in developing nations. Even better, every dollar is 'proved' when the projects are complete, and photos and GPS coordinates are posted using Google Earth. My goal is to raise $300 by my birthday, June 12, 2011. Please consider helping me."

June 12th came and went. She was only able to raise $220 of the $300.

Then this past week, young Rachel died in a 13-car pileup on Interstate 90 in Bellevue, WA. Since then, both the news of this young girl's generous wish and her campaign has been given fresh wings.

Not only was the $300 target met, as of this writing 15,409 people have donated $539,539 ~ and growing!

Rachel's wish and campaign have touched countless hearts and lives across the nation and around the world. It is truly a Blessing from Beyond the Grave. :D

It only takes a bit of love
Found in a child's heart
That can change the world
From a humble start

- ESA