For years, I’ve peppered my conversations with too many “when” statements…

• “When I have more time, I’ll help someone in need.”

• “When the economy picks up I’ll donate more money to the causes closest to my heart.”

• “When I retire, I’ll really be able to do some good in this world.”

Lately I’ve been saying to my family and friends, “Imagine all the good I’ll do when I win the lottery! I’ll start by funding a clean water project in a village in an undeveloped country.”

Noble sentiment, right? The thing is, I don’t buy lottery tickets and while I have a career that I love, I’m no Fortune 500 CEO weighted down with a diamond-studded salary package.

Still, I am wildly lucky. I’ve had the chance to live the life of my choosing. I’ve chased all my dreams and realized most of them. Forget about having everything I need to live a healthy life. I also have the things I merely want.

Millions of people around the world dream about finding a way to provide the necessities—like clean water and nutritious food—for their families. What do I dream about? Front row concert tickets and luxury vacations. Those things will never ever cross the minds of those living in the third world.

“When I win the lottery…” Guess what? I already did.

Today, my husband Leonard and I pledge to make a difference. In conjunction with charity: water, we plan to raise $5,000 in three months to build a clean water project in an undeveloped country. It will improve the health and lifestyle of 250+ men, women, and children who currently rely on water from polluted sources.

Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu once said, “a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” We’re taking that step today. Will you join us?

—Andrea M. Rotondo, travel writer/book editor
Leonard Hospidor, recording engineer/photographer

LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS PROJECT HERE: http://projecteditor.com/