Dear friends and family,

My partner and I have decided to finally get married after 6 years- but I need your help! I first met my partner duing my Peace Corps service- together we have lived through a horrific civil crisis, dictatorship, evacuation, exile, political persecution, and distance apart as we figure out how to get together to safety. I am trying to be vague because of the risk my partner is a still in living in his country. This is a secret Go-Fund-Me because he didn't want to become the face of need, but, alas, I am struggling financially.

Due to the complexity of our situation, I have had to hire a pretty pricy lawyer. The lawer cost $4,495.95 alone, plus a I-129F filing fee of $535, and about $2,000 of translation fees- about $7,000- a pretty penny for a school teacher! The scariest part is there is still no guarantee our application will be accepted due to nuance and tragedy of being a pro-democracy activist in a dictatorship. He is a hero, and we are in love.

Any help would be a HUGE relief and very much appreciated. One day, once we both are in a safe space, I will write a book about our adventure and I will be sure to send you a copy of it!