Vacation

Like last year, a dear family of our church, the Endericas, opened the doors of their swimming school to our children. This year it has been a little more complicated because we had to schedule time for both of our children’s homes. Many of our children did not know how to swim. It was so exciting when they came home one day and told us,  “I know how to swim.”I’m sure many of you mothers can relate to what a blessing it is to send the kids off for a tiring activity during the summer.Many thanks to the Enderica.

           

Also the city organized a sports program during vacation. All our children attended they were able to choose different sports: soccer, basketball, volleyball, dancing, tennis or ping-pong. Many of our children excelled and were recognized for their accomplishments. We’re so proud of them and are blessed when that they see what they can accomplish with dedication and discipline.

Vacation time is always a good time to enjoy our kids without the pressure of the school schedule. We have had outings to the park, skating, dances, movie nights, bicycles, cookies, monopoly, campfires and barbecues. All we need is one thing to complete the list, a trip to the beach! Hopefully next year.

Volunteering

Anita Kimmel joined the La Esperanza team here in Cuenca. She, left the confort of the U.S. and moved here as a missionary to help coordinate the volunteers and send communications to all our supporters. Welcome Anita! You are a blessing and great example. 

                                                                      

Nathan, Grace, Ryan, Amanda, Holley, Hope, Gretchen, Jennifer and Megan we are so blessed that you have decide to set a time aside from your busy schedules to serve our beloved children.You’ve asked for nothing in return but we are sure tha God will bless you mightily. 

                                     

                                     

                                      

Scouts

Our church began a Scout program that we are very excited about. This program is for children ages 9 to 15. There are over 50 children who have enrolled in the program including some of our own children. We’re excited about all they’re going to learn in the Scout program.We’re confident it will be an experience that will stay etched in their hearts for the rest of their lives.

Urgent plea

We are now in our new house with the new kids. That gives us two houses. As you can imagine running two houses isn’t always easy.

We’ve had to buy new beds, furniture and everything else a house needs. Our finances are at zero. We’ve spent every dime we have.

Any financial support at this moment would be greatly appreciated!

Jessica and Sandra are really good friends

Juan Pablo, Henry, and Miguel

After suffering a tragic loss on Friday January 14^th, Juan Pablo (15), Henry (13), and Miguel (11) came to us at La Esperanza. The boys spent the weekend with their family attending the funeral of their alcoholic mother who was found dead in their home. They returned to us on Sunday and attended school today in high spirits. We are proving as much love and emotional support as we can. Please keep them in your prayers!

New House and Government support

We are over capacity at La Esperanza and are opening up a new house February 15^th! Of the 47 children in our current house, 25 will be moving to the new one. We are so blessed and excited to see what God is going to do next. With your prayers and support, we are hoping to open more houses in the future!

We are even more blessed to be receiving Government funding for our new house and for houses to come! They are backing us 100% in every area of operation; a huge prayer answered! Their support won’t cover all our financial needs, but it is amazing to see how involved they want to be and how much support they are offering.

Javier and Jose Camas

 Along with Juan Pablo, Henry and Miguel, we received two more boys this month. Javier (13) and Jose (9) were runaways from another children’s home here in Cuenca that shut down. Government officials found the boys and called us to take them in. They cried the whole way over to us, scared and fearful, but God changed their fear into joy when they arrived. Within minutes of entering La Esperanza, their cries turned into laughter and they were running around playing with the other kids. We are so grateful to have them!