New Year, Same Mission, Bigger Dreams

Reflecting on the past year, I see much growth, both within myself and the mission. What began as a temporary job, helping with the 2024 end-of-year campaign, turned into a permanent dream: serving Jesus and loving people. I have loved every minute of working for the Santiago Partnership. On the ground, the mission saw new opportunities for the children, multiple medical caravans, new women seeking support, healthier flowers, and spiritual growth among clients and staff alike. Our Ecuadorian staff is amazing and adds so much life to the projects. 

Children learned new skills through educational and life skills workshops, giving them a taste of the world outside the home. They traveled to the jungle and experienced sights and sounds they don’t hear outside their windows in Cayambe. Seeing their happy face and smiles in the photos made the ask for support worth it. The Home saw more outreach and volunteers coming in to provide an experience for the children, giving them more pieces of a normal childhood. As usual, our donors ensured each child was outfitted with everything they needed for the new school year. 

The medical caravans covered dental health, women’s health, and pediatric health this year, with several other specialties filling in on each caravan. We have been blessed with numerous skilled volunteers who desire for everyone to have access to medical care.  The clinic continues to see patients daily across many specialties, seeking the best outcome for each person. 

Within the walls of the Sumak Artisan Studio, women found comfort and healing with those who have walked the same journey. Together, they became survivors.

Forever Flower had record-producing crops this year amid various weather struggles. Yet, they remain positive and dedicated to their work. Each month, they are getting closer to global exportation and sustaining the other ministries through the farm.

I spend much of my time wishing I could be on the ground in Ecuador with them. This fall, I was granted a tiny piece of that when a team came from Cayambe to Chicago for our First Annual Celebration Event. The time spent with these ladies was precious - learning more about their hearts and their journeys brought us closer. I now have a special family in Ecuador and a more profound desire to do even more from my position here in the States. 

In 2026, our children in the Home will have the opportunity to share their creativity, build their education, and use tools to deepen family relationships. Our medical clinic will continue to offer access across many specialties to care for the whole person. Medical caravans will be organized with willing volunteers and will head out to remote areas. Sumak’s doors remain open for women seeking relief from violent circumstances and teach them valuable skills to support themselves. The Forever Flowers staff will show up every day, ready to meticulously care for the roses. 

Here in the States, we will continue to spread awareness about the ministry in Ecuador. We will share the hearts of the people there, the culture, and how God is moving in their place. We will update our donors and encourage ways to be involved.

But there will be more this year. More opportunity. More lasting change. Our Dreaming Big with Sonia Initiative is not about changing what we do, but doing what we do better. By expanding the Intervention Program, we seek families before they are in crisis. We shift from reaching for a Band-Aid to finding a solution. We can do that because our donors are incredibly generous and caring. Together, we see the need and respond. 

I am looking forward to all the dreams we can dream this year. It’s exciting to wake up each day knowing you are moving forward, making strides, and making a positive difference in a community's trajectory. Dream with me, friends. I can promise you, it will be life-changing!