Fuquay-Varina couple's risk sees great reward in Zambia

Bethany and David Morgan went on a mission trip to Zambia and were left with a feeling of wanting to do more. Instead of just thinking about it, they actually did something.

"We have adopted this saying over the years," Bethany Morgan said. "Life is about risk. What we have found is that, sure, risks are hard, but they also come with really big and great rewards."

They first took a risk when they decided to try to build a well in Zambia in 2012. The process took a lot of work and planning but they were able to get it done, watching smiling faces as children got clean drinking water for the first time.

"I think it's an indescribable experience," Bethany said. "We have no idea what it's like to not be able to just turn on our tap."

The couple started a non-profit called "Love Abounds" and was able to build 17 wells since 2012. They then moved on to other issues facing the village. They started a program called "Chicks Empowered," which teaches women about chicken farming.

"We're not telling them, 'Here, you have this or you do this.' We're creating a way that they can have income for themselves and they can do what they want with it," David said.

The women are able to earn at least $150 a year which has drastically improved their standard of living.

The Morgans, with the help of another couple who lives in Zambia, also started an orphanage for children. Often times if children are abandoned in Zambia, they live a life on the streets. The orphanage is providing shelter, food and education.

"It's good. It's also very heavy. These are lives we are responsible for," David said.

The Morgans turned to a love for coffee to raise more funds for the projects. They started a coffee company called Chikondi Coffee. The beans are imported directly from Zambia to North Carolina. All of the proceeds go directly to the Love Abounds efforts to continue to help those in need.

"They are like family to me, so to see them succeeding would be like watching my own daughter succeed," Bethany said. "It just fills you with joy."