Hello friends and family,

I am turning 30 this year and am totally excited about it! To celebrate a new decade, I am dedicating my birthday to a cause I love and asking you all to join with me in making a concrete difference in some very special lives. 

For my birthday, I've started a campaign to raise support and awareness for Africa New Life's Food and Care program. This program provides school lunches to children in Rwanda who otherwise would get little or no food to eat. I spoke with a number of these students in May when I visited Rwanda, and heard from them first-hand how much of a difference it makes to their studies and their everyday lives to know that they can rely on these consistent meals at school.

If you've ever gone to a class or shown up at a meeting without eating breakfast first, you can imagine just a tiny part of what it feels like to go to school hungry day after day and still try to study, concentrate, and learn. These children work hard and are dedicated to doing well in school so they can improve their families' situations and give back to their country when they grow up. I was completely inspired by these young people and humbled by their courage... and it's so hard to think of these same world-changers being too hungry to learn or thrive, day after day!

For my 30th birthday, I am asking friends and family to give $30 (or any amount!) to help bring food to children in Africa New Life's schools across Rwanda. $30 provides around 36 lunches for Rwanda's future leaders, doctors, and teachers and gives them real hope for the future. My goal is to raise $10,000 by August 25, my 30th birthday. 

Throughout my campaign I'll share updates on my progress that show real results and real lives impacted! I am so thankful for your participation and am excited for you to join me and be a part of this life-changing adventure for the children of Rwanda! 

Thank you for helping me make a difference!