The Good, The Better and 2020!

Hello everyone! I hope you are all doing well during these crazy times we are living in! I am so excited to share with you guys some updates about my life and the ministry. During these first few months of 2020, there has been a lot of changes, a lot of growth, and many fun stories that I cant wait to share with you!

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This summer will make two years. Two years that I have been living in a foreign country, taking care of kids from a culture that is not my own, and serving a community that is far from home, but has quickly become my home! It has been such a blessing to be able to serve in this way. Although, there have been ups and downs; moments in which I have thought twice about whether or not I am meant to be here, it is because of times like the ones below that remind me why I am here:

1. Adventures on the Mountain!

In mid-February, we had an incredible opportunity to take some boys to climb the nearby mountain (dormant volcano) La Malinche. We had an amazing time taking in all of God's beauty through nature. Not only did we endure an uphill trek to the top of the mountain, but we were also able to admire the excited and genuine hearts of 10 adolescent boys who have been patiently waiting for this opportunity for more than a year! Moments like these - seeing them push and persevere all the way to the top, despite the obstacles before them - make everything worth it! Being able to truly invest in their lives and souls in the simplest of ways; yet, creating such an impact in their being. They will never forget this experience and I am so glad to have been a part of these memories that they will carry with themselves for the rest of their lives. To see more pictures of us on the mountain visit the Mountain Adventures Album!

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Child Spotlight:

1. Omar

Omar is currently in the Adolescent boys' dorm (12-14 year olds). He is a fun kid with a loving heart who undeniably enjoys joking around with his friends. I have been so entirely blessed to have lived through so many adventures with this convivial young teen for the past 22 months!

A word from Omar:

¨In (Esperanza Viva) I like to play soccer, eat pizza, and stay up late on the weekends playing with my friends. I feel very blessed to be in a place where there are so many people loving me unconditionally.¨

2. Ángel

Ángel is in the Chavos (Teens´) dorm (14-17 year olds). Ángel is mischievous yet has a heart of gold! He has a couple of hard layers but once you get past those, he is as loyal and loving as they come! He is a hard worker and definitely has many qualities of a leader!

A word from Ángel:

¨I like playing soccer and working out. I consider myself to be obedient, fun, and hardworking. And, what I like about being here at EV is that even though my family isn´t here we are like a family!¨

3. Mauricio

Mau is also in the Adolescent boys' dorm. Mau is an innocent boy with a noble heart is always very friendly with everyone! He is also very empathetic and caring! He is always ready to give you a big hug when you are feeling down!

A word from Mau:

¨I love playing 9-square in the air and just being here at EV in general! I have learned a lot here and I know I am loved and cared for.¨

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COVID19 Update:

As it has with many, this pandemic as had a huge impact on our ministry these past weeks. But, I would like to share with you all a few things that we have done as a ministry to prepare and protect our children. Even before it really started here in Mexico, we began some preventative measures such as encouraging our kids to wash their hands well and constantly. We also equipped ourselves ahead of time with supplies and have pretty much done away with our weekly donation/shopping-outings that we had previously been doing. This includes food, water, hygiene products among other supplies. This was done in an effort to limit exposure in the city and in turn, better protect our children! We also have set up a couple of dormitories now designated as quarantine for anyone suspected of having the Corona Virus, or anyone presenting any symptoms at all.

As many of you know, I have become very familiar with the quarantine dorms these past few weeks! 😉 For the most part the kids here at Esperanza Viva are healthy. There were 3 boys in quarantine with me for 2 weeks straight, but we are all healthy and out of quarantine, finally! Thank God!

Click here to donate during this time of uncertainty!

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Enjoy this video of little Allison along with some other kids playing on the playground!

Support the Mission

I would really like to get more people to join in on my journey to help in prayer for what God is doing here in Mexico. If you would like to take up this invitation to join me in prayer please sign up for my mailing list and blog. Also, share this post 😇.

U.S. Missionaries here in Mexico do not receive a salary. All of my support comes from family, friends, and people like you that have a heart for at-risk children and the kingdom of God. I am currently only at 12% fully funded as a full-time missionary and truly need your help to continue to do the work that I am doing here in Mexico. Please prayerfully consider supporting financially. Any donation will help (One-time or recurring).

Thank you so much for your time and prayers!

Click here to sponsor me!