Hacienda Of Hope

Hugo and Jenny are such a blessing to the Hacienda of Hope team. Hugo and Jenny both occupy a wide range of responsibilities throughout the project. They always have a great attitude and are very flexible.

Hugo was born in Uncia, Bolivia March 10, 1968 (which makes him 39). He grew up on a farm without common commodities such as water, electricity, and transportation. He experienced the city life when it came time for him to go to school. His father was retired, yet his children reaped the benefits of his former profession. Included among those benefits were health insurance and a free private education. After high school, Hugo attended a general education school for 6 months. He taught for 2 years from Kindergarten through 8th grade. After which, he decided to go to college and study economy for 3 years. From there Hugo and his wife Jenny left Bolivia to study at the Quito School of Biblical Studies (QSBS). It was here that they came to know of the Hacienda of Hope. They kept it in mind both thinking it would be a great opportunity to be involved with teaching children.

Hugo came to know his wife initially through his cousin. Jenny and Hugo's cousin were the same age and grade in school. Later they lived in the same apartment complex. It was at this point that they began to know each other better. Hugo had begun working by that time and Jenny was finishing up school. After nine months of knowing each other they decided to marry.

Hugo and Jenny have been married for 12 years. They have four children: Patricia (11), Pamela (10), Andres (8), and Luzmila (6). Patricia, Pamela, and Andres were born in Bolivia, and Luzmila was born here in Ecuador while Hugo and Jenny were studying at the QSBS.

Hugo was baptized at the age of 18. Since that time he has always been active in the church and evangelism. Hugo is very involved with the spiritual growth of the children. Every morning before classes begin, Hugo leads us in our chapel services consisting of songs and character traits of Jesus. During the day, he teaches Bible class as well as monitoring other subjects such as Mathematics, Social Studies, and Spanish. He is actively involved in the church being our preacher and evangelist.

Jenny was born in Oruro, Bolivia October 31, 1969 (which makes her 37). She grew up in a normal happy home. Her father was a mechanic and her mother was a seamstress. From her father she learned the names of tools, money, and patience. From her mother she learned to sew, cook, and clean. Jenny has three brothers and one sister. She is the second child. After high school, Jenny studied physical therapy. She also took courses in hair styling, typing and computer software. Jenny saw the work with the Hacienda of Hope as a necessary and good work. It excited her to teach children and raise her kids in an environment of a big church family rather than in the world.

Jenny teaches and does a wonderful job with our kindergarten level. What patience she has! She is also on the rotation for teaching the children's Bible class on Sunday mornings. Jenny is actively involved in our Tuesday night ladies Bible study in which she is leading us in a study of Romans right now. She never complains about anything asked of her. She has a true servant heart.

Jenny and Hugo are really a blessing to us. We love having them on our team!

Construction is complete on the remodel of what was once a former Ecuadorian farmhouse. As seen in an earlier article, the dairy barn has been transformed into the new location of the School of Hope. The recently purchased land adjoining our north was once used as a farm for raising dairy cattle and came with a small (450 sq. ft.) farm house with an attached chicken roost. It also had a large pond built just up the hill above the house. The pond was once used as a water source for watering the cattle and chickens and cleaning the dairy barn. Extensive dirt work was needed in order to use this part of the property. The pond had to be removed because its water leaked through the ground into the walls of the house and barn below. In addition, a large cistern and septic tank were added to the location to supply the new house and school’s water needs. New underground electrical services have been added to serve the house and school’s electrical demands. A high-speed broadband internet system was also brought to the new school via use of a series of antennas set up between this mountain and Cayambe (7 or 8 miles away). All of these projects have taken more time than expected and has caused our construction schedule to be shifted, but the overall results are great additions to the Hacienda of Hope. These new facilities allow us to return the cabin that Jerry and Pat have been using for the last four years for use as a camp cabin for large groups. Many thanks to Camp Bellevue for making it available to us for an extended period of time! Completion of the School of Hope will also allow the two large basement classrooms at Camp Bellevue, which were used to house the school, to be used for Camp Bellevue’s growing after school program. Our prayers of thanksgiving are being offered to all of you reading this who have partnered with us with your financial blessings and prayers to see these wonderful additions come to pass.