Hello!
I hope the New Year has begun well for you. We've had a bout with Covid around here, so it's been a little slow following up, as the work year has started full steam on top of it! Patience seems to be the theme, and in the news we hear sadly about natural tragedies and wars that call for patience and action, and our love and giving within our own sphere of influence can contribute to the light that "shines in the darkness" and patiently overcomes.
Once again, a big, big thank you to everyone who has contributed to the fundraiser. Amazingly, we've finished with $1,455, more than doubling the goal of $700 goal! Again, I appreciate everyone's generosity so much, and friends in Ecuador do, too.
You can find all the latest updates on the webpage:
https://www.barriers2bridges.org/giving-blog/bring-god-close
I'm including here an update of each of the areas of support that the money is reaching.
I'm also working out the final plans for the $755 over the goal. Having been in contact with the family of 7-year-old Rafaela, it looks like things might take a while to happen (February might be a time where her mother begins dialogue with a charity organization). So, my thought is to pass along another $350 to Isidro and Karina in these days in January (I’ll include another update with the receipt when I do), and then hold the other $405 until I know more in February about Rafaela. If something concrete doesn't develop for her family in that timeframe, I'd then pass along the remaining money again to Isidro and Karina, as their monthly bills for the care of Zoe are over $350. We could then think down the road of something separate for Rafaela and her family.
The Daycare
The spending of the $150 still hasn't been worked out, and I'm anticipating something this month.
Zoe Ortiz
Isidro and Karina sent over more photos. I've sent them the first names of people who have made gifts, so they know a little of who is behind the gifts they're receiving. Zoe continues to be stable these days, and her big brother Liam is as cute as ever!
The church
I've sent over the $200 to a friend who helps in making the cash transference, and it's been handed over to the local priest. It will be included in covering costs for operations, including long-needed maintenance. I'll post any updates later on about any specifics I can find out.
In this spirit of patience, I want to thank you all again very much, and again offer my hope that this new year bring you an experience of God's closeness that you've been a part of giving. God bless,
-Jerome
Thank you for considering us!