The Compass

Birr's Lenten sacrifice will help provide safe water to Third World community

ALLOUEZ — The approach of the Lenten season prompted a spiritual hunger in Jane Birr. She desired to know the Lord more deeply, but was unsure how she was going to strengthen that relationship.

Birr, a life coach, found that a meeting with a client led to her own self-reflection.

"She told me, ‘I'm sick of this habit controlling me. I need to take control of it,'" said Birr. "I immediately thought of my Diet Coke addiction. It had me. I knew that it had controlled me for years."

Jane Birr (Sam Lucero | The Compass)

While cross country-skiing at the Reforestation Camp in Suamico, Birr felt God's presence.

"I hear God more when it's silent," she said. "God was speaking to me to take my iPod out. Whenever I get quiet, I hear God more. I didn't like the feeling of being controlled. I made the commitment to give up Diet Coke for a greater good."

Birr keeps a "dream book," a list of goals she wants to complete in life. So far, she has accomplished three of her top 10 dreams, including earning a black belt in martial arts, writing a book, and diving with sharks and dolphins. She decided to give up Diet Coke and Cousin's Subs, her second addiction, and tie it in with buying a well for the poor, another of her top 10 dreams.

"I gave a talk at Prevea Sport Medicine and made the commitment in front of the group," she said. "I made the commitment without knowing how much a well cost."

Birr discovered that a well to serve 150 people, 60 gallons of safe water a day, is $5,390. Based on her calculations, by applying the money spent on soda and subs to the project, it would take 3.7 years. She found inspiration in her niece, Justina Rinzel of Madison.

"This is a girl who, last year as a 12-year-old, decided that there are children in Guatemala who do not know they are loved, so she was going to Guatemala to hug these children so they know they are loved." said Birr. "She saved her babysitting money and was able to go to Guatemala. She told me to reach out for some help."

Birr found support from family and friends. Her brother, John Bodilly, offered $1,000 if she honored her commitment. John's wife, Susie, a longtime friend of Birr's and former basketball teammate at UW-Green Bay, is planning a "Women for the Well" golf outing. In addition to financial support, Birr also appreciates the encouragement from others.

"A friend helped me track the project by creating a spreadsheet," she said. "I have received some great e-mails. My friend Carrie suggested that I put the last Diet Coke in front of me. Stare it in the face."

The McDonald's cup, her last Diet Coke, now stores money for the project. Birr said she turns the "m" upside down to create a "w" to represent the well. While Diet Coke may not seem like a serious addiction, she said it was a difficult habit to break. She previously had a soda at 1 and 5:30 p.m. daily.

"It was hard the first two weeks," said Birr. "I was so crabby and edgy. I longed for it. I missed it. My poor husband, Tim, got the brunt of it. It was a routine, but I've learned that you can make new routines. I'm feeling better. I'm sleeping better. I feel stronger in my mind. That soda cannot taste as good as pushing this project forward."

Prayer is an important part of her Lenten journey, she added.

"I pray daily for strength," she said. "My original prayer was, ‘God I want to know you more deeply.' The wonderful support of people has touched my heart and through this experience I believe I am getting to know God more deeply."

The experience has also allowed Birr to practice what she teaches. She promotes goal setting and dreaming as a life coach.

"I help people get inside their heart a little bit and remember what their passions and values are, and unleash that again," she said. "I try to bring that to life and stand by their sides."

During Lent, Birr is donating half of the proceeds from her book, "Just Get it Over With, A 12-week Jumpstart to Great Health in Mind, Body and Spirit," and her online motivational program (www.janebirr.com) to the water project. She hints that some day she will travel to the country that receives the well. Her dream book features both goals for personal pleasure, such as kayaking with killer whales, and service. In the future, she said she would like to raise money to help save girls from being sold into slavery in impoverished countries.

Birr has no idea when she will raise the necessary amount for the well, but will host a party for her supporters at the time of the online purchase.

"I've put this in God's hands," she said. "It pains my heart that people don't have water. I'm so thankful for the support of others that allows me to tap into my passion. I want everyone here when I press ‘send' on the computer. We will make it fun. There is joy in this process."

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