Hacienda Of Hope

Katy & Pamela both enjoyed their birthdays this last week of the year. Katy's eighth was Wednesday the 28th and Pamela's ninth was on the 30th. After having a big dinner and Christmas gifts to open on Sunday, December 25th, Katy's birthday cake on Wednesday and Pamela's birthday cake on Friday and then celebrating the ending of the old year and the bringing in of the New Year with a great supper on Saturday, we each feel like we know how Santa got his big belly!

It is so fun to watch children being happy and enjoying a happy event in their young lives. Knowing that this week of fun would not be possible for most of them if it were not for God's help is a humble feeling. Thanks to all of you who answered the tug of your heart from God to help these children during 2005 ...God has so much more for us to do together in 2006!

The construction of the second of four casas is progressing at a rapid pace. The second story floor was poured just before Christmas and this week the walls are starting up around the top floor. As you can see from these pictures, the additional structure is changing the landscape around our first hacienda. Jorge and Christian were taking out the trash and were caught in one of these pictures. Those who will be attending this year's Operation Ecuador Medical Campaign will be stopping by on the way back into Quito to see all that God continues to accomplish here. We are looking forward to seeing each of our friends during this visit in a few weeks.

Justin & Amanda Snyder with daughter Isabella

God is sending Justin & Amanda Snyder to the Hacienda of Hope team on March 7, 2006. They are both currently teaching school for the Arkansas School of Science & mathematics in Hot Springs, Arkansas. They will be assisting in all areas, but will be key players in the startup of our new school next fall. They will also work closely with accommodating and caring for visiting groups from the States. Their most exciting news is the addition to their family, due in July! Justin is our third born son and has been preparing for a life in Missions for the past decade. Justin & Amanda are sponsored by the Southside church of Christ in Rodgers, Arkansas
Justin & Jauna Reeger with daughter Kaidan

God is also sending Justin & Juanna Reeger to the Hacienda of Hope team. Both Justin & Juanna will complete their Masters in Social Work from the University of Texas, Austin in June. They met at the Lubbock Children's Home where they were working during their undergraduate studies at Lubbock Christian. The experience and education they have worked hard to earn will become invaluable assets for years to come for the Hacienda of Hope. They will be assisting in all areas concerning the selection and training of house parents and children. They will also be vital credits to our new school system. Their lives and dreams have been focused in preparing themselves to be used by God in helping children. They have considered their life work taking them to a third world country and we are so grateful that God has tugged their hearts toward Ecuador. They are targeting the fall time period for their transition here.

Please be Praying ...for both of these couples as they close out their lives in the States. They are preparing themselves physically and emotionally for what God has in store for their future as they become vital team players for the Hacienda of Hope.