In 2012, our family of five visited Pure (Poo-Ray), South Sudan to see the drilling of a water well at the village’s school. The nearest water source was a five-mile walk away and children were responsible for retrieving the water, which prevented them from attending school. We wanted the well to be at the school, to empower students to get an education while they completed their chores. The water well increased enrollment and soon children overfilled the mud hut and mango tree that were the classrooms. It became evident that the children strongly desired to learn, which revealed Pure Joy Foundation’s calling. A four-block structure for Pure Primary School was completed in 2014, creating a bigger and safer learning space. Since that first structure was built, Pure Joy Foundation has taken on three more schools to support by supplying students with merit-based scholarships and providing school supplies for students to succeed.

We have grown exponentially since 2012 and made a larger impact than we could have ever imagined. We are an average American family creating lasting and self-sufficient change among some of the world's most forgotten people. At times it can be difficult and scary, but we are proof that every person has the ability to create profound change in the world. As we always say: One Person Can Make a Difference.