February Partner of the Month- Simply Pursuit

Helping others in exercise? Across the world? That is exactly what Jessica Upchurch is doing. Currently, she is living in China continuing her life’s work by teaching physical education. However, she also works with her father in Africa to give the youth of that village sport opportunities they would not have without her.

Jess has been a longtime friend of the Jumbled Dreams family so when she called saying that she needed help in the spring of 2018, of course, we were going to help!

Backstory: In 2017, she supported children at an orphanage, Restoration Gateway, through sports ministry providing them with their very first outdoor basketball game with funds she raised from a number of supporters.

These were some of the needs to allow the orphanage to compete in the basketball game:

  • Transportation to the outdoor basketball court
  • Meals for 24 people
  • Packed snacks and water for the players

All of that cost was 300 dollars. Here in America that would cost 5 to 8 times more than what it did to make 24 people’s dreams come true. Here is a post event update from Jess:

“Last year was Restoration Gateway’s first outdoor basketball game. This year, we went to another orphanage called Watoto.

We took a group of 24 young athletes–a girls’ team and a boys’ team. Both teams played very hard and the games were so exciting!  The children battled their way through adversity and had many opportunities to grow and work together.  It was such a fun day for us!

On our way back home, we stopped by the local market and were able to enjoy some snacks.

When we returned home we had a beautiful dinner together where we were able to laugh, fellowship, and make memories.

So, thank you, Jumbled Dreams and all those who supported us through you, for giving us a way to play the sport we love and make memories together. The memories that were made on this day will be treasured for a lifetime.”

 

When you donate to Jumbled Dreams you do make a difference. Things like sports that we take for granted, can change someone’s life. Remember that the next time you watch a sporting event.

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