Hacienda Of Hope

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.