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water
purification solution to local residents in
developing nations. As it happens, Jodi's brave
and generous gesture during the 2013
Domaining Spain conference in Valencia
would be just the first step in what
would be a journey that has covered thousands of
miles and three continents.
Less
than three months after her heroic
"haircut" Jodi found herself in Africa,
getting a first hand look at the
Water School's life saving work there. Now
that she is back at her home in upstate
New York and has had some time to
reflect, I wanted to get her thoughts on
what she experienced in that momentous
three-month span and how it affected her
view of the world. " It is life
changing," Jodi declared. " A trip like this helps your mind focus on
other things so when you come back into your own reality, it seems as though you have less baggage,
less really to be concerned about. It helped me simplify many things within my life, my business, and within my vivacious spirit!" Looking
back to how this all started with a pair
of hair clippers wielded by Escrow.com's
Andee Hill, Jodi said, "I admit, the idea of shaving my head was a little
crazy however I can't hide the fact that once the idea crossed my mind (it was so daring, so far out |
Jodi
Chamberlain having her head shaved
by
Andee Hill in Spain (April
2013) to raise money
for The Water School. |
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there) I actually started to get
excited for the journey! And it was right there, when I had this (wacky) idea to shave my head, that
I could see myself in Africa in
photos with children, sporting a new fancy hair do! It was an immediate knowing that traveling to Africa
had to be part of the adventure!" |
Jodi
continued, "Tessa Holcomb, CEO of Igloo.com, learned I wanted to travel to Africa and quickly reached out to sponsor the trip. Tessa climbed
Mount Kilimanjaro in 2010 and explained her experiences in Africa
changed her in so many positive ways. This was a perfect way for her organization to contribute to the
Water School program and now that I've been to Africa and back, now I know
why she wanted to be the one to sponsor the trip. Going to Africa gave me clarity, its allowed me to
see things differently, which will help the program in so many ways (even after the
Water
Shave project)." 
Jodi
Chamberlain makes some new friends in Africa "The
Water School program is implemented by many in the rural
areas of Kenya and Uganda,"
Jodi noted. "I saw this immediately and was quite happy to learn of its expansion from the ground level. Government health officials, churches & communities are
all using the Water School program. I was honored to meet those individuals who actually use the program in their daily lives." As
you would expect, Jodi brought home many great
memories and experiences from her journey. When
asked if any one in particular stood out she
said, "Well, a new
baby girl was named after me!
Afterward when I learned that Gregg
McNair (the PPX
International Chairman who has
tirelessly worked to win domain industry support
for the Water School) had three boys named after him! (yes, thanks for trying to steal my spotlight
mate!) my excitement was mainly centered around the
Water School team, the people who report to the office
Monday through Friday," Jodi said. 
Gregg
McNair and Jodi Chamberlain got a
first hand view
of The Water School's good work in Africa. "The program has
13 full time employees. They all have an area (project) in Uganda they look after and when they're not in the field they operate from the office. Let's just say when the
Water School is asked to go into an area that has been affected by disease, they're the
ones who go into the battle field. Meeting the
'soldiers' and spending quality time with them was wonderful. It was truly inspiring. I laughed, cried, prayed, danced, and felt more appreciation then I've ever have in my entire life! They're a unique group of compassionate people who are living their
truths," Jodi said. 
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While
Jodi
would seem to have left no stone unturned in supporting the Water School’s
work, it seems she is just getting warmed
up. " I keep thinking about bringing small groups over to
Africa. Groups of 5-7 people - it's the perfect size to give everyone that 'hands on'
experience," Jodi said. " It would
change most who come along and boost the
Water School program at the same time. I would love to travel to Africa
every year (particularly in July). Its the perfect time of the year plus the famous migration takes place in the
Masai Mara, which would make for a wonderful excursion within a group
trip" "Another idea is a yearly dinner
event," Jodi continued. " For some reason I keep seeing a classy dining room filled with husbands
and wives who are dressed to a 'T' - it's a gala type dinner for all donors of the
Water School program. A celebration dinner for them! And at the same time |
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another great way to
raise awareness/funds for the organization.
So as you can see I'm back in the 'ideas' phase once again. And I know whatever I bring to the board of directors they'll listen and with their support we'll be able to
do something special, something that will not only
change lives but save them too!,"
Jodi concluded. |
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