FULLY FUNDED

Seven years ago, a neighbor in Kenya asked us why Americans didn't care more about Haiti, when the country was "just there" off of our coast. What I didn't know at the time, was that God was preparing me for just that.

In 2007, a Kenyan friend had invited me to spend time at her rural pre-primary school (3-year-old preschool through kindergarten), learning, drawing out posters and homework books, and helping to re-write a curriculum. In 2017, an American friend, who had heard rumors of such things, asked if I would consider a short term move to Haiti to develop curriculum and mentor teachers at a rural pre-primary school. After a quick visit, and in God's crazy timing, I told her yes.

Grace Academy is a small, private school in Boyer, Haiti that will re-open its doors in January of 2018 to serve students in preschool through 2nd grade who would not otherwise be receiving an education. 

In a country where approximately 1 out of every 10 students who begin first grade go on to also complete high school, and where up to 50% of third graders struggle to read with any form of fluency or comprehension, a rich, Christ centered curriculum that emphasizes literacy, imagination, and critical thinking skills offers the chance for a solid start and a firm foundation.

Of course, this isn't the sort of thing that I can do on my own.

Getting a school ready to open by January means hitting the ground running as soon as possible. In order to be in Mirebalais (Boyer's urban neighbor) by mid October, I have some "friend-raising" to do!

Most importantly, I will need your prayers for the transition, for wisdom in choosing and developing curriculum, and for favor in hiring teachers. 

But, also, I should probably not swim to Haiti. Being dripping wet is frowned upon when you go through customs. With that in mind, I will be fundraising through Pure Charity to raise financial support. 

I have a one time support goal of $6,600 that will go towards the initial cost of settling in and getting to work on curriculum and a recurring support goal of $1,495 per month for the 21 months that I will be in country. 

It has been an unexpected path to get this far, and I am excited to see what else God has in store. Whatever it is, I am sure that it will be a beautiful and grace drenched sort of a mess -- because all of the best adventures are!

Your prayers and financial support mean the world to me as we work together to open up the world for these kids.

PS, you can follow along on the journey at jessicamacfarlan.blogspot.com or by adding me on instagram or Facebook