If you received a piece in the mail about Rich's trip to Ethiopia, you were able to read stories of two people for whom access to clean water has now changed everything. Bikiltu, a girl in Ethiopia, had to collect water from a muddy spring for her family to drink. And Fatuma, a mother, used to have to wait in line for hours every day to get water. Her daughters also had to wait when they collected water after school, and this prevented them from doing their schoolwork.

For both families, access to clean water has now changed everything.

World Vision built a well in Bikiltu's village in 2008. Now, with clean water to drink, there are "no waterborne diseases," Bikiltu says. She is healthier and able to attend school regularly. Her mother adds: "Fetching water won't take me more than 10 minutes. I am able to cook food for my children on time and my husband so they can go to school and work [after] eating their breakfast."

In Tongo, where Fatuma and her family live, World Vision capped and protected three natural springs, and built 10 water points (taps) throughout the town. One of the water points is located on the doorstep of Fatuma's home. The entire family is excited and pleased. Fatuma says: "I don't have an appropriate word to express my feelings of happiness. The water is excellent." Her daughter Zubeda adds: "Thanks to World Vision, I no longer go to school without doing my homework and studying my lesson. I hope I will improve my school performance, too. I and my siblings will also take baths and wash our clothes any time we want at our own home."

Clean water really can change everything.