Hi everyone,
Once again, my best wishes during this Christmas season. As a new year dawns, it can be a good time to reflect on things.
Another big, big thank you to everyone who has contributed to the fundraiser. Amazingly, we've gone even further past the $700 goal and received $1405 in gifts! I appreciate everyone's generosity so much, and friends in Ecuador do, too. I'm working on a plan for the money over the goal, and I'm including here an update of each of the areas of support that the money is reaching. I’ll keep the fundraiser open through the New Year, but we have reached our goal! For the full update, come visit the webpage:
https://www.barriers2bridges.org/giving-blog/bring-god-close
The Daycare
The $150 for the daycare center didn't arrive in time for the Christmas program, but the center is in discussion of using the money to develop the center with badly needed supplies. They’ll keep me updated after the New Year with what they are going to use the money for, and I'll continue to update the website.
Zoe Ortiz
Isidro and Karina sent over a family photo, including photos of Zoe and Liam, their 4-year-old son. I'm sending them the first names of people who have made gifts, so they know a little of who is behind the $350 gift they've received.
As mentioned before, Zoe is more stable these days, and the family is grateful for her and all the support too. There are more details and photos on the webpage.
The church
I've sent over the $200 to a friend who helps in making the cash transference, and it should be put into the hands of the church representative in a few days. People are grateful, and I'll post an update.
Possibilities for the extra support
I'm considering what to do with the extra money gifted ($705 so far). In addition to potentially supporting Zoe and her family some more, I've followed up with the family 7-year-old Rafaela, who has a long array of long-standing medical issues that the family doesn't have the resources to address. I'll include more details on the website.
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"Give, and it will be given to you." (Lk 6:38) In this spirit, I want to thank you all again very much, and hope this new year begins with the experience of God's closeness that you've been a part of giving. God bless,
-Jerome
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