Updates and Stories from Amor y Esperanza

Hi friends! Dave Mccune here. In early December I had the opportunity to travel to Quito briefly through my church and want to fill you in on some of the exciting work that is continuing with our friends.

First of all, the Zola family sends greeting and would love for you to keep them in their prayers! Following a difficult process of leadership change at the long time school of their children, Pancho and Pitty have decided to homeschool Danny, Mateo and Maria Victoria. While they describe the time leading up to the decision as frustrating and challenging, they now see the Lord's hand in it all and are loving this season of being close. All 5 now share the office at AyE, working through the school day then spending family time after hours. I am encouraged to see the family in such a healthy spot!

Construction on the new building continues, and with solid fundraising the hope is to be operational by next school year. The school will eventually have three floors but the hope is to move in to the first two during the initial phase. The new building will provide more space more for more students and greater visibility in the public to the good work being done. Please consider contributing to the effort here!

I am reminded each visit that school is made up of dozens of individuals with compelling stories. I want to highlight just a few that make me proud of the school we partner with.

If you have kept up with this blog you have heard the story of Abel.

Abel is a young student who does not have the ability to use his legs. In spite of this he remains the most joyful and loving child you have ever met. When he meets you he looks deeply into your eyes and caresses your cheek, offering love without condition that is almost foreign to our performance based realities.

Nearly 2 years ago Susan Justice was able to bless Abel with her gift of occupational therapy, powerfully by bringing him a walking device. For the first time he was able to motor on his own, a beautiful moment met by smiles and tears as his young classmates chanted his name. It is an incredible blessing that AyE is a place willingly and joyfully accommodating students like Abel.

I also want to introduce you to Fabrian, a new 11th grade student this year.

Fabrian is one of several Venezuelan students and teacher refugees who have found a home at AyE. He faces challenges of learning English and recovering from knee surgery but he remains hopeful in his studies. AyE is meeting his needs by providing after school tutoring that will help him find success now...and set him up toward finding success in his dream of becoming an architect one day. That strikes me - AyE is a school training architects of the future, both in the physical and spiritual reality. It is an incredible encouragement that students like Abel and Fabrian have a place to belong and flourish in Quito. Without AyE it is doubtful they have the opportunities they have to grow as students and more profoundly, as followers of Jesus. Lord bless the work, bless the workers!

Bendiciones a todos,

Dave