Updates

We had the pleasure of celebrating another graduation last week when Marcela graduated from a social services program in Puerto Viejo, Ecuador.

Marcela has a long history with Mission Santa Maria. Her family came to live at Esperanza Home for Children when Marcela was only 8 years old. Over the next several years, her and her siblings survived countless transitions as they spent time temporarily with their mother, and ultimately were sent back to Esperanza Home for their safety. Marcela ended up graduating from high school from Santa Maria del Fiat.

After high school, Marcela moved with several of her siblings to Puerto Viejo. Her oldest sister decided to become a missionary sister and care for children in response to the care that she and her siblings had received. Marcela was offered a chance to live at the same foundation where her sister would be serving.

Two years ago, Marcela was offered a job at the foundation. Marcela began working with adolescent mothers that had become pregnant through sexual abuse. Marcela helps care for the babies while the adolescent mothers are at school, and offers support to both the mothers and babies to complete daily living tasks as well as make steps towards independence.

Celebrating the graduate! Jim was so happy to be present for the graduation. He was joined by Marcela’s sisters, Selena (right of Jim), and Karla (right).

After beginning this work, Marcela decided to go to school to receive more formal education in sociology. She entered Mission Santa Maria’s university program and completed her degree a few weeks ago. Two of her sisters, as well as Jim, were able to attend her graduation and celebrate this milestone for her. Marcela hopes to continue her studies to become a social worker and formalize her career in the social services sector. We applaud Marcela’s achievement and look forward to continuing to watch her use her skills, intelligence, and caring heart to make the world a better place.