Hacienda Of Hope

A great week of hard work, fun and learning about a third world political system was experienced by students and administrative staff from Madison Academy, Huntsville, AL. The group of 15 arrived on March 18 and stayed through the 24th. Besides some hard work on a pathway project to our new Prayer Dome, a unique experience was gained about how the common people of Ecuador express their political views. During this week there were many road blocks set up around the area of Cayambe to express protest about the North American Free Trade Agreement talks. The roads were blocked with burning tires and tree trunks making it impossible to travel to Otavalo to enjoy the weavers market. However, many sites in and around Quito were enjoyed before their departure back to the States. The best way for a group of high school students to understand the culture of a third world country is through a first hand visit with us. This was the second annual Spring Break visit from M.A. students. Their willingness to come here to work instead of going with their friends somewhere to play shows the sacrificial nature of these fine young men and women! They are understanding the teachings of our Savior about the cost of being a disciple; i.e. Luke 14:25 ff.

My wife and I were blessed with the opportunity to spend a week at the Hacienda of Hope March 11-18. It had been nearly three years since my last visit, and the changes are astounding. As one who is close to the work, though many miles away, I have been fully aware of the progress that has been made, but to experience it first hand was phenomenal. Since my last visit, God has added 10 children, completed 1 casa and 1 corner apartment with a 2nd casa nearing completion, and added a memorial prayer dome in honor of two beloved Christian men. Much land development has been accomplished including fencing, the front gate and entryway, a chicken coup, farm animals, erosion control, and irrigation. God has brought to us three fantastic families to serve in this ministry (Justin & Amanda Snyder, Martin & Lorena Valdivieso, and Hugo & Jenny Sandoval) alongside Jerry and Patricia.

But a change in the facilities and landscape is only the start at the Hacienda of Hope. In the children, we saw changed lives. The once expressionless faces are smiling. The empty stomachs are full. The dirty clothing has been replaced with clean garments. The bare feet are covered with socks and shoes. Abuse, poverty, neglect, and despair have given way to care, comfort, love, and hope. More importantly, these children have been introduced to Jesus … and they love Him. They sing songs, read scripture, actively participate in Bible classes and devotionals. They are learning what selfless love means, and are being trained to treat people with love and respect. Some of the older children are asking questions about baptism and salvation, and after some study and discussion will likely become Christians.

Wow, what a change. What a noticeable difference your support has made in their lives! What an obvious difference Jesus has made in their lives! As I watched the kids and contemplated the nature of the change, both physical and spiritual, my thoughts turned uncomfortably inward. How has Jesus changed my appearance, my behavior, my thoughts, my motives? Is there an obvious difference between the old and the new? There should be, and the difference should be clear. My thanks to the staff and kids at the Hacienda of Hope for providing a tangible reminder that I once was an orphan, separated from my Father, but that I now have been adopted, I have a family. And there should be some concrete evidence of a changed life.

Justin, Amanda and Isabella Snyder arrived in Ecuador on March 8, 2006 to start their new position as Assistants to the Director at Hacienda of Hope. They are sponsored by the Southside Church of Christ in Rogers, AR. Both Justin and Amanda have been teaching via internet for the State of Arkansas the last several years and formerly lived in Hot Springs, AR. Although only 3 years old, Isabella has been talking about Ecuador for a long time!

Besides generally assisting in the day to day responsibilities of the home, Justin and Amanda will be helping to head up our new school system which will be starting in the fall. Moving to Ecuador this year is very exciting for this couple, but the most exciting event for 2006 will be the birth of their expectant baby girl around the middle of July. Please welcome the addition of this great couple to the Hacienda of Hope and pray for all of the changes in their lives in the next several months ahead. In the above picture, an Ecuadorian breakfast is enjoyed with friends from the States as a 'Good Morning' welcome to the Hacienda of Hope family!

Martin, Lorena and Darwin learned this week that the doctor expects they will be welcoming another boy to their family! After two different doctor's appointments and much waiting, Martin and Lorena got the ultra-sound procedure completed. Because of a national health care system, it's a first come ...first served program. So how quick you see the doctor depends on how many are sick on the day you have an appointment to check out your unborn baby's health. To make sure that Lorena doesn't spend the entire day waiting, Martin goes to the government hospital very early (leaves at 4:30 a.m.) to get a front place in the forming line for that day. Later at 7:30, I take Lorena to change places in line with Martin. This is a normal doctor's visit, but aggravation is triggered when a person goes through this process to get their scheduled ultra-sound test completed and the doctor happens to not be at work that day and you have to go all through it again the next day! But, the wonderful news makes it all worth the wait. After years of being told they could not have more children the Valdivieso's are so happy. The baby boy is scheduled to be born around the 13th of June, which is only days from Lorena's birthdate (June 7th) and close to Darwin's birthday on the 4th. Please keep this family in your prayers!