August 2023 Update
Dear Friends of Love and Hope,
August is upon us! As schools around the world begin a new academic year, join us in praying for good health and protection over the students at Amor y Esperanza. May they learn and grow this school year, always seeking after our Lord!
Are you ready for Kilometers for Quito? As one of our foundation's most significant annual fundraisers, we truly need your support! All proceeds go directly toward the operating budget of our beloved Amor y Esperanza. In other words, it helps pay the teacher salaries and keep the lights on in Quito! Can we count on you to join a team - many led by students who have spent time in Quito - and either donate funds or commit to seeking donations from others? Your prayers are always coveted, but during September we especially ask you to pray for fiscal support and a fun, successful event. #KM4Q
Dear fellow Love and Hope Foundation supporters,
Our family path to Quito had a few twists and turns, but I am so thankful my husband, Chris, 12th grade son, Jonathan, and I were able to join the Whitefield Mission Team in June. We had resisted allowing Jonathan to take the trip in the past due to Quito's elevation, which has historically been a significant health challenge for him. But after better equipping ourselves, we decided to travel to Ecuador together in advance of the school trip, get acclimated, then meet the team in Quito. After a few days together, Chris and I continued on as a couple, exploring the Amazon rainforest, leaving Jonathan to finish out the week independently. What an amazing opportunity for us all!
The format for these mission trips is often similar, with the first weekend being a time of fellowship, bonding, sightseeing and getting acclimated. The elevation change is no joke! On the weekdays students work in the classrooms, followed by a final weekend retreating to Nono with the Zola family, decompressing and taking time to reflect on the many ways God was seen during the trip.
Chris and I had the unique opportunity to interview several teachers, students, parents and staff members at Amor y Esperanza. The goal was to get to know some representative folks at AyE better, so that we could share their stories with all of you! I came up with a series of questions, Chris was the videographer and Pitty was our translator. We look forward to sharing snippets of these with you on various platforms, so follow our account on social media! While everyone had their own backstory, there were several common threads. Each person interviewed knew God specifically brought them to AyE and they are all incredibly thankful to be part of the community. Each person talked about how AyE is so much more than a "just a school" - it's a supportive family that lifts them up and points them to the Lord.
Another common thread was Pancho and Pitty. I believe each and every person called them out by name as someone to whom they are grateful for the community of which they are now a part. I was intrigued that most students shared the positive impact of Pancho's discipline. They explained that he set rules and standards, such as showing up on time, or tucking in a shirt, and there were consequences if the students broke them. There was talk of learning about respect and integrity - invaluable life skills! Pancho seems to fill the role of father figure for many, while Pitty is the "mom" who keeps everything running smoothly and provides a listening ear for all.
Finally, I'd like to share an observation. Chris and I had the chance to see the neighborhood surrounding AyE, where rampant unemployment and fiscal uncertainty are evident, drug use and violence are on the rise, and hopelessness is taking hold. Amor y Esperanza is a light in this darkness...a safe haven for many. I was humbled and honored to experience a small slice of this reality and hope I have been able to paint a bit of a picture for you all. To God be the glory!
In Christ,
Rebekah Kern