First day of challenge

The day passed by quickly, even though some sensations, such a thirst were very apparent throughout the day. It was difficult and mentally taxing to break some of my usual patterns, such as drinking water in the middle of the night or having to think about whether I had enough water to wash my hands. Water became at the forefront of my mind the whole day about whether I would have enough to cook food, drink or wash up. 

I had placed containers outside my balcony before bed to try to collect the drizzle, but sadly didn't get any water likely due to how the building is set up. I have already asked a neighbour on the lower ground if I can place some containers around the outside of her apartment, in hopes I will collect rainwater tomorrow.

I had to wake up around 6am to ensure I had time to walk a few kilometres before my meeting at 8am. I decided to walk as I had another job at night that I wanted to make sure I wasn't too sweaty for. I was thirsty from the night before, perhaps because I had drank so much beforehand in preparation for this challenge. I couldn't shower or make my morning smoothie, since I was starting the day with 0 kilometers, therefore no water.

It was nice to be outside walking before most people and enjoying the luckily good weather. I happened to select a podcast to listen too from the "Rewild yourself" series entitled "Why I forge wild water", which discussed how contaminated most water sources are and the benefits of collecting spring water from North America. As you can see on the picture below, this walk for about 45 minutes didn't get me to the 6km most African's walk to collect their water. 

Already on Day 1, I am recognizing how much water I use and consume, even though I wouldn't consider myself an overly wasteful person. The inequality question is drawing a lot of new thoughts and awareness around the inequalities of access to clean water, especially for children on the streets who likely have many other competing priorities for their survival and well-being. 

This month all challenge proceeds I raise will go to S.A.L.V.E. to support street children in Uganda: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/charity-web/charity/displayCharityCampaignPage.action?campaignId=2245&charityId=1002060

Follow me too on Facebook (Jillian Kowalchuk), Twitter (@kowalchuk_jill) and Instagram (@inequalityquestion) to keep up-to-date on April's #inequalityquestionchallenge.