Hi Everyone! Four months ago I moved to Livingstone, Zambia as a volunteer. Originally I intended to live there for six months and teach vulnerable children; however, during my stay there my vision changed.

On February 1, 2016 I began holding classes for children in the community whose parents could not afford to send them to school. By the end of the first week over 110 children showed up at my classes to learn. Most of these children have between six to ten siblings and they live in exceedingly small, unfinished houses that lack basic necessities such as: running water, electricity, and bathrooms. Since the majority of their parents make less than $50 a month, the children who attend my school are malnourished and do not eat on a daily basis.

As the weeks passed I fell in love with these precious children and I knew I needed to do more for these kids. Going back to America and resuming my old life was no longer an option. I could not leave these children to starve and grow up with out an education. I decided I wanted to remain in Zambia and provide these children with a safe and stable learning environment where they could receive the love, support, and education they deserve.

Two months ago I began searching for a way to give these children a suitable school. Less than an hour after I made the commitment to remain in Zambia God opened numerous doors. Jeanette and Agrippa Phiri, the owners of Kwathu Children’s Home, graciously offered to let me build a school on their property. Within a week of my first meeting with them the plot for the school was cleared, measured, and they began digging for the foundation to be laid. The school will have seven classrooms, a bathroom, kitchen, storage room, and an office. The foundation is now complete and the entire school building will be completely finished by the beginning of July 2016! The only obstacle, which would put the construction of the school on hold, would be the lack of funding. Since I decided to take a few more years off before I return to graduate school I used the money I had in my savings to begin this project, but I do not have nearly enough saved up to fund the entire school. The rough estimate for the entire building is $40,000. By God's grace I've already raised $14,000.

Raising $26,000 in three months seems like a daunting task but I have faith the Lord will provide the funds for this school. When this school is finished more than 140 children will have a safe place where they can receive free food and education. All children should have the opportunity to learn and it is my goal to educate, feed, and love as many children as I possibly can. Please help me reach my goal. Your donations will impact the lives of hundreds of children. No donation is too big or too small. I cannot build this school or teach these kids without your help and support. I need you and these children need you. Thank you in advance for making a difference in the lives of these children!