Exciting News – Project Phase 1 complete

As I promised, I am so excited to share the progress we have made on the project. Just recently, can you believe that we were able to install not only one, but 2 water sources. It actually happened in a manner I consider miraculous.
We had some missionaries from my church in Kiandutu who heard that the man who managed the one central kiandutu water tank wanted to sell it to the highest bidder. Immediately, we placed bids on the water tank and got a tremendous deal. That was the first water source. See pictures on the right. Since this is in a slum area, the water tank is stored in a sort of temporary fence as you can see, as time goes on, I would aspire to see the tank get a proper shed and also cement the little area under the tap.

For the second water source, some pipes were extended from this first water tank to the location at the church in Kiandutu. This is an area even closer to another several hundred residents of kiandutu. All in all, we are serving over 500 Kiandutu dwellers with these water sources.

The people of Kiandutu are trully greatful, they feel so blessed that you decided to bring them fresh water by donating generously. They are honored that you chose to make an impact in their lives.

To Your continued health, wealth and happiness!

I ran the marathon for a great cause. It was worth it!

I just completed the Twin Cities Marathon on October 5th. It was a really incredible experience. A true test of fitness and will. I am trully humbled. It was a great race, “blessed” with a downpour for most of the marathon, thousands of us determined to finish each us a different purpose for running it.I exceeded my dream goal and completed the marathon with a 3:38 time and in doing so qualified for Boston Marathon, a feat often not attained with a first marathon.During the race, I drew my strength knowing that there was a bigger purpose for the race. I thought about all of you supporting me, and fundraising for the people of Kiandutu. I knew you were cheering me on and helping me stay focused and I am very greatful for that.

We have made great progress in our fundraising! We now have enough to complete one project the donation ticker on the right is updated with the donations to date.The fundraising will continue until the end of October 2008. I am thankful to all those who have generously donated so far, we are very close to reaching our goal.

Imagine having to walk over 1/2 mile each way to get clean water..

My name is Grace Ngunu and this year, I will be running my first marathon! The Twin Cities Marathon will be held on October 5, 2008. I am passionate about both running and helping others in need and I am excited about combining these two passions. Kiandutu is a slum in Kenya, East Africa that is in desperate need of clear running water. The name Kiandutu literally means, “a place with jiggers” and the living conditions of this town reflects that difficult environment. It’s considered to be the second largest slum in Kenya and is occupied by 50,000 people. A majority of these residents have no near-by access to clean running water. Several times a day, Kiandutu residents have to walk a little over 1 kilometer to fetch water in non-sterile containers at the cost of two shillings per container. The water in the closest river many kilometers away, is severely contaminated with both humans and animal waste; and is therefore unfit for consumption. The short video below gives you a snapshot of life in Kiandutu.
I will be running the Twin Cities Marathon to raise money that will be used to pump water into a section of this slum. The water supply (tap) will be strategically located and will service 2000 people.
This will be a great relief to the many families who now send their young children to fetch water over ½ mile away several times a day in the evenings after school. This will also be a tremendous help to all the parents who also have been making the same trip to fetch water all their lives.
I urge you to join me in making a difference to these families in desperate need of clean water. It costs about $600 to generate one water source (tap). Please make a tax deductible donation of any amount-100% of your donation will go directly toward making this clean water source a reality. I believe that together we can build several water sources in Kiandutu.
Fund management will be coordinated through my local church, the Faith Christian Center in MN. You can donate through Pay-Pal on this site or send checks to the address below:

Faith Christian Center
7917 Sunkist Blvd
Brooklyn Park, MN 55444
Please contact me via EMAIL if you have any questions or need additional information.
Thank you for joining me in this effort to provide clean water and to provide a huge positive impact to the lives of others!

Kiandutu youtube video