Graduation Day

Bianca and Noel did it! It was such a joy to be able to celebrate with them and their families as they culminated their high school experience by walking across the stage and receiving their hard earned diplomas. I want to give you an idea of the two different paths they took to get there, each with their own ups and downs.

Noel grew up a fatherless child, the oldest of three siblings, and the “man” of the house. We met him in 2011 when Margine entered the ministry. The picture I hold in my mind is 5 year-old Noel, guarded and alert. He was always watching over his brother and sister, wanting to help (and protect) his mom. His sense of responsibility and discipline stems from this time spent looking after his family. It took some time for him to let that guard down and no longer be vigilant when we were around. Over the years, he continued to impress us with his demeanor and level-headed care for his family. When he entered the ministry in 2022 as a guarded, 17 year-old tenth grader, my respect for him continued to grow. In his previous school, vulgarities, fighting, and drugs were the normal scenery. People pressured him with free marijuana, pushing him to try it in plain sight. Teachers sat idly by, and he had to fend for himself.

Noel expressed his gratitude many times at having the chance to go to a better school, perhaps able to appreciate the opportunity more than the others. His hunger to learn and improve was evident, and he wanted to take advantage of the opportunity. The school had never accepted a student transfering from a public school into 10th grade before, because the educational gap is so large. But they saw his desire and knew we would help him, so they agreed. He started in Alegbra 3 having previously only an introduction to Algebra 1. Physics 2 was especially challenging without taking Physics 1. Same goes for Chemistry 2. If that wasn’t enough, the serious social differences were tough to deal with. His repeated comment the first couple months was that his classmates acted like children. I don’t think he ever found much common ground with his class, but instead focused on working hard and paying attention. He’ll admit that he almost quit a few times that first semester, but he persevered and took on the challenge in front of him, demonstrating responsibility and grit. Needless to say, we were all proud of his great accomplishment, and he was too.

Bianca entered the ministry in 2012 as a 5 year-old. At the end of her first year, we celebrated her kindergarten graduation. Anyone who was around her then knew her infectious laugh. It was one of those loud, rapid fire laughs that got people around her to stop what they were doing to laugh along with her. Her laugh changed as she grew, but that joy has been a characteristic she’s carried with her all the way through. Her large dimples have helped accentuate that trait as well! School came naturally to Bianca, and she was responsible in her work all throughout primary and secondary school. While we were concerned for many aspects of the children’s education at times, she was good at school and never a cause for worry. Bianca’s status as one of the smallest in her grade was only exacerbated by her participation on the volleyball team and friendship with the tallest girls in the school. She loved belonging to the team, and that sense of belonging is what gave her confidence to participate in various debate clubs and her school trip to Colombia. Friends were always the reason she enjoyed school so much, and they will be what she misses most as she heads for university.

Strangely, I’ve had a hard time reflecting on the journey we’ve been on with Bianca. I’m sure many parents can relate on one level. How do you measure all the time spent caring for, disciplining, celebrating, nurturing, and raising a child? And then how about doing that for a child that’s not yours, except within the Family of God? The thing that sticks out to me the most is how she was called to enter the home in the first place. At the beginning of 2012, we had about 4 different parents asking us to take their 10 children into our ministry. We knew there wasn’t room for them all. As I prayed about the list, the LORD spoke Bianca’s name to me. She and her brother Jeremy were the only ones we took in. Within the ministry, there were so many children in line ahead of her to make it to their high school graduation–like Tatiana, Brittany, Aleisca, Elaysa, Fabiola, Elena and Diana. But she’s the first. Many of you know the tragic stories I’ve told throughout the years, and those are only a small part of the full picture. I look at my heart as we reach this milestone, and breathe a sigh of relief. While I know that high school graduation does not guarantee a different life for Bianca, Noel or their generations, it’s nice to have a tangible accomplishment after plugging away for so many years.

Of course, the most important thing remains the most important thing. God’s first declaration of His purpose in putting this ministry in our hearts was “I want them to know their identity as My children.” Knowing, understanding, and walking in that truth is what will guarantee a different life for Bianca, Noel and their generations. Everything else is ultimately meaningless if they don’t know the central truth to their lives. As they attempt to go to college and Noel looks to work his way through school, new challenges await them. There will be more attacks on their identity, more questions thrown their way, and more opportunities to buy into the delusion of this world. Please continue to pray with us that they stand strong on their identity as His beloved son and daughter, taking their place in His Family to serve in His ministry to this fallen world. May they know His great love for them, and respond in sincere love for Him.

As we look to next year, we are venturing into the unknown. This is new territory, and while we have plans in place for supporting Bianca and Noel in university, we don’t really know how much support they will need. Margine is entering her last year of high school. Jeremy starts 9th grade. Vanessa begins her last year of elementary school in 6th grade. Ezequiel moves on to 5th grade, which is traditionally a challenging year. Little Fredder begins 4 year-old preschool, and we pray he is healthy after lots of health problems towards the end of this year. Eduardo, our long-time employee, has decided to pursue employment elsewhere. Juan Carlos is slotted to take his spot, so please pray for him as he practices driving the 15 passenger van to be their new bus driver.

In the midst of these changes, we also find ourselves needing to raise additional funds. A huge THANK YOU!!!! to those who have faithfully given over the years, and especially to those committed since the beginning. We could not celebrate these graduations without you! On the other hand, regular giving has tapered off significantly this year, and we were only able to make up the difference because of a large one-time donation we received. (God is still Faithful!) In addition to regular giving being down, our family is looking to raise extra monthly support in light of our baby girl arriving in February. All that to say we need to raise an additional $1200 per month. Will you please pray and ask God if He would have you be part of our financial support team? Whether it’s a monthly commitment or a one-time donation, you can find details on our Giving page.

Thank you for your prayers. God bless you.