Ministry Updates

Scroll down to read some stories from my time in Bolivia

A New Beginning: How We Receive Children at BHC

One of the most heartbreaking yet beautiful moments at the Bolivian Hope Center is welcoming a new child into our home. We’ve had people show up at our gates, desperate for help, asking us to take in a child. As much as we wish we could say yes to every child in need, we must follow the right process to ensure their safety and well-being.

Typically, Sedepos (the Bolivian child services department) contacts us about a child in an at-risk situation—whether because a parent has just been sent to jail, a guardian has passed away, or authorities have uncovered a case of abuse. We work to determine if there is a safe and loving family member able to care for them. If no other option exists and we have an open bed, we welcome them with open arms.

But what always touches my heart is how willing these children are to come with open arms as well. They gather their few belongings, step into a van with a stranger (often a gringo like me), and trust that this unknown home will be better than what they’ve known. It’s a sobering reality of the hardships they’ve endured.

My prayer is that beyond just a safer place, they feel the peace and joy of the Lord here. That they don’t just find shelter but a family at BHC—a place where they are seen, loved, and valued.

A Meaningful Orange - 02/26/25

Some days here are hard to put into words. No two days are the same, and I never really know what’s going to happen. But at the heart of it all, I’m here for these kids. Some days, that means making sure we have enough money to buy food. Other days, it’s unexpectedly delivering desks to a school. And sometimes, it’s simply sitting with the kids, listening, and reminding them that they are loved and not alone.

Recently, we learned that one of the men’s prisons changed its rules—kids can no longer visit, but fathers are now allowed to come to the home for supervised visits. After hearing this, one of our girls asked if she could go see her dad in prison. I reminded her that the rules had changed, and she could not visit. Then she asked if he could come here instead. I told her no.

She asked why. And I wasn’t sure if she truly wanted him to visit or if she was looking for reassurance that he wouldn’t be allowed near her. Maybe both. But I told her no—because of the things he had done, he wouldn’t be allowed here at the home.

Then she asked if I remembered the day we saw her dad. I knew exactly what she was talking about. Shortly after I arrived in Bolivia, I had to take her to court, where she was supposed to testify against him. While we waited outside, her father walked past us in handcuffs, escorted by police. She had a strong reaction, as anyone would in her place.

But then she asked if I remembered giving her oranges and water after that moment. I didn’t. I usually bring snacks and small activities to meetings like that, knowing the kids could be stuck waiting for hours. But I had no memory of handing her an orange that day.

She did, though. Almost two years later, she still remembered that small act—how I sat with her and tried to comfort her.

This is why I’m here. To remind these kids that they are not forgotten, that they are deeply loved—not just by me, but by the Lord. No matter where they come from or what they’ve been through, they matter.

Showing Up.

Some of the kids were in a parade for school one day. They had it the night before and then again in the morning. At night they asked me to come, but I didn’t think that they were serious, or that it mattered to them. As I walked them to the gate though, one of the boys asked me multiple times to go. I said I would be there in the morning.

When I got there the next morning and saw the huge crowd of schools that were marching in this parade, I considered turning around. This did not seem like a fun way to spend my Friday morning, especially when I knew that afternoon was going to be really busy too. But I stayed. I found a spot that seemed to be the beginning of the parade. I watched kids march by for over an hour and a half. But then in the distance I saw the uniforms I was waiting for, and then I saw one of our kids at the front of group.

It seemed like just a silly school event that none of them were excited about. But as that first kid saw me, she smiled and did a little side wave. Then the next kid walking on the far side of the road from me, saw me and got a big smile on her face. Then the next, in the middle of all the students in their grade, smiled big and posed for a picture. The fourth gave me a grin, a wave and even called out my name.

So I followed the parade down the road, ands stopped at several places so they could see me again, and know that I was still there for them. Each time, when they saw me again, they would laugh a little, but then smile big.

These kids act so tough sometimes because of what they have been through, but they want someone to show up for them just like the rest of us do. I’m so blessed that I get to be the one showing up for them.

To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key.

A Refuge....

When one of the teams came this summer, they had brought down these bilingual conversation starter cards that someone bought for us. We pulled the card that asked what we were grateful for.

Two of our older girls were hanging out with the team members answering the questions. They both immediately answered with ‘This place’ (meaning the Bolivian Hope Center).

We all laughed a little bit, and told them to tell the truth. But they both doubled down on their answer.

One said it was the truth, and then in all seriousness, asked us where she would be if she wasn’t here. The other looked at us and said that the Bolivian Hope Center is a refuge for them.

I’m so thankful to part of this refuge for these kids that have been through so much in life already.

Searching for the Lost Sheep

One day, one of our newest and youngest kids walked out the gate of the home while many of the other kids were heading to school. We’re not sure why or what happened exactly. But he got lost and couldn’t find his way back home. No one had any idea where he was, but the Lord was protecting him, and the Holy Spirit was guiding us as we searched for him. After searching throughout the home multiple times and driving around the neighborhood, we took to the car again to search a little further, with the intention of taking the first turn back around toward the home. But at the last minute and at the prodding of the Holy Spirit, we kept driving to the next turn. As we turned around at that point, I noticed a little boy in a bucket hat and jacket at a little corner store. I just happened to have a picture of this little guy from that morning and knew exactly what he was wearing. Shouting at the other missionary driving to stop, I ran out of the car to the corner, shouted his name, picked him up and hugged as hard as I could. Though there was a little bit of apprehension that he was going to be in trouble, I could see the relief in his eyes when I called his name as I got to the corner store. Again, being able to show this child that he is loved and wanted, and that we would search all over town for him if needed, is why I’m here!

Others' choices are not your fault:

One of our sweet kids is only 10 years old, but has had a whole lot of trauma in her short life. Her home life was not great and she has spent the majority of her life in a group home. She has been living with us since the end of last year, and it has not always been an easy transition. Recently, she was caught stealing. This had happened before, but we thought we were past it, that the behavior was just a by-product of switching homes and uprooting everything she knew. But we realized the deeper wounds that are the source of the behavior. When talking with her about the stealing, after denying it completely and making up other stories, she told the truth. But through tears told us how her dad (who is in jail) hates her and doesn’t want to see her. She said that it’s her fault her mom is in jail. She steals so she can buy things to try and mask the pain and hurt that she feels.

I was able to sit down with her to remind her that her parents’ decisions are not her fault or responsibility, that she is special and she is loved, and that stealing/buying won’t take away the hurt, but that there is someone else who can. I’m so blessed to have the opportunity to daily demonstrate and remind this child and all the others here at the Bolivian Hope Center of God’s amazing love.

An Update - 09/01/24

Can you believe I’ve been in Bolivia for over a year and a half now? My first term was supposed to wrap up this past May, but I’ve decided to extend it. By extending a bit, it will be easier for me to apply for my next visa, which will allow me to stay longer and make future transitions back and forth between the States smoother too. I can’t thank you all enough for your ongoing support during this term. Your support and encouragement truly means the world to me!

My time at the Bolivian Hope Center has been incredible so far. It hasn’t been all smooth sailing—there have definitely been challenges—but the experience has been so special. I’m so grateful for the chance to work with these kids and show them how much I care, and more importantly, how much God loves them.

Here’s some of the things that have been going on at the Bolivian Hope Center:

We’ve welcomed 4 new kids, plus one more as a temporary emergency placement.
5 of our kids made the decision to be baptized in water.
We’ve hosted various teams, including one from my home church in Downers Grove!
I’ve attended school cultural events and watched the kids perform traditional Bolivian dances.
We held a talent show for the kids with a team, and the kids gave their all in the performances.
I’ve visited the women’s prison in town to talk with some of the kids’ moms there.
I spent a week sleeping on the floor of a Bolivian hospital with a sick kid.
We put a classroom together where the kids can come play, read, make things, and learn.
I’ve taken on the role of house mom for 5 of our oldest girls, who are either graduating or finishing their last year of high school.

This is just a small taste of the things happening here. There’s been so much going on, it’s hard to keep track of it all!

I’m also looking forward to what’s next. I’m deeply thankful for every moment I’ve spent in this beautiful country with these amazing kids, and I see so many more opportunities ahead. Thank you for your continued prayers and support. I’m truly grateful for the chance to follow God’s calling, and I couldn’t do it without each and every one of you.

Why I'm Here - 09/012023

This summer, we were fortunate enough to host a couple of teams at the Bolivian Hope Center (BHC). It was a great opportunity to connect with the team members and share the vision of the BHC with them. Both teams enjoyed spending time with the kids and contributing to the community. One team member, a counselor, brought along resources and activities to share with the children. In one of these activities, the kids had to select a card that represented something about themselves or how they were feeling that day. One teenager chose this card that had a ‘to do list’ with some boxes checked and some unchecked. He explained that the checked boxes were things that God had already done in his life, while the unchecked boxes were things that God hadn’t finished in his life yet. When asked if he was willing to share one of the things God had already done for him, the teenager replied that it was God who brought him to the Bolivian Hope Center. This is why I’m here – to share God's love with these kids, to let them know that they are special and important to Him and us, and to remind them that He is working in their lives every day.