I want to invite you to be a part of a work I am doing this summer. 

This August, I will be heading down to Managua, Nicaragua to support Villa Esperanza, a home for at-risk, adolescent girls. Spanish for “Village of Hope,” the home provides an opportunity for these girls to break the cycle of generational poverty, rescuing them from hunger, physical abuse, sexual attack, teen pregnancy, and drug abuse.

Villa Esperanza was opened in 2008 as a refuge for adolescent girls who were living inside the Managua city dump. 

Nicaragua is the poorest country in Central America. In order to feed themselves, parents and children were forced to scavenge through the garbage to find items they can sell. 2,000 people lived in or around this 70 acre landfill and 50% were children under the age of 18 who suffered from extreme filth and poisonous air. 

In their desperation, some parents prostituted their daughters to the truck drivers in order to gain first access to the garbage. 

In the photos, taken by Tyler Hanns in 2004, you can see a small glimpse into the terrible conditions. 

Forward Edge International, a non-profit in Vancouver, Washington, bought a 2-acre plot of land and began building homes as a long term living situation for these girls to escape the cultural wreckage they were born into. The girls receive tutoring, mentorship, psychological counseling, trade skills, spiritual development, food, clothing, and the basic essentials every child deserves. What’s more though, they provide each of these girls with hope to break the generational poverty that must feel inescapable.

I have the opportunity to serve the girls who live there and be a helping hand with the labor and community projects needed to keep Villa Esperanza working as a beautiful, safe environment.

I am really excited to put six years of Spanish language study to use but as I prepare for this trip, I am asking for both prayer and financial support.

I am asking for your prayer. Prayer for my team, for trip logistics, and for funding. The cost of the trip is $2,000. If you are unable to support me financially, I need prayer more than anything! However, if I would be blessed enough to receive your funding, I would be grateful beyond words. Also, if you have any questions about the trip, please do not hesitate to ask. I can hardly contain my excitement to visit Villa Esperanza!

This trip aside, thank you for the relationship we have and how you have blessed Tyler, the kids, and I with all of your love and support. We are so thankful!