Currently there are 18 girls at the Esperanza House and one house mom. They start out going to the Christian high school on our Bible college campus in Palopo. If they desire to continue their education, they can go to the Bible college on campus or we are open to helping them find a way to another college of their choice.
Rifka’s Neice
It is an exciting time at the Esperanza House! In January the spring semester started with new students! One of those is the niece of our foster daughter (Rifka) who lived with us nearly 10yrs ago! Another is from a remote village that has no church yet, but she somehow heard about the opportunity for education and God made a way for her to come to the Esperanza House where she is excited to not just go to school, but to meet Christians and learn about Jesus!
Nova
Other exciting happenings at the Esperanza House is our new House Mom, Nova! She was one of our first students back in 2013! She was an incredible student and even earned a scholarship at a prominent Bible School on another Island. Once she completed her degree she felt God calling her back to us, to serve at the Esperanza House as well as teach at STAT, our local pastor’s training school. She is a vibrant young lady that is pouring so much into our girls, discipling them with an infectious joy and love for the Lord!
Pizza Party
During our time at the Esperanza House we treated the girls to pizza! For many of them, it was the first time they have ever eaten this strange food, and it was a hit!
Worship and Praise
We also had the chance to worship with them in the chapel that we helped build on their school campus back in 2014. I was moved to tears as one of the girls shared the Word and her testimony, the girls praised Jesus with all their hearts, and we prayed together.
Growing and Gardening
Lastly it is so exciting to see this group of girls working together to grow and harvest fruits and vegetables in their gardens! This helps cut their costs, gives them a sense of ownership and accomplishment while developing valuable life skills outside of the classroom!