Laptops, Laughter, & Lives Changed
My family and I just returned home after spending eight wonderful days in Ecuador with our Santiago Partnership staff and a mission team from First Union Congregational Church in Quincy, IL. It was a week filled with connection, joy, and a renewed sense of purpose as we visited each of our five ministries and spent time with the people who bring this work to life.
Just days before our trip, we received a request for laptop computers—perfect timing, given my husband’s tech skills. Thanks to the overwhelming generosity of our local community, we were able to update 18 laptops for our team and for the children at the Santiago Children’s Home. The excitement and gratitude from our staff were unforgettable. This gift will directly strengthen education, communication, and daily operations across our ministries.
The Medical Clinic continues to stand as a powerful testament to both the growth and the needs of the local community. As we walked through the building, the story of its expansion was literally beneath our feet—the transition of flooring materials marking each phase of development over the years. Every new section represents increased capacity, deeper trust from the community, and the ongoing commitment to providing accessible, compassionate care.
Forever Flowers continues to amaze—not only with its vibrant colors, but with the beauty of its mission. We are getting closer than ever to constructing the new business center and preparing to export our own roses. Each step forward represents economic empowerment for women and long‑term sustainability for the community.
The Children’s Home was full of life—smiles, laughter, and little hands tugging at ours as they called out “Tía, Tía.” Staff members worked side by side, laughing together as they prepared meals and cared for the children. It is a place where love is lived out in the everyday moments.
Sumak continues to thrive. Each week, our staff travels to Ibarra to serve a group of women who welcomed us with grace, trust, and open hearts. Their resilience and commitment to one another is a powerful reminder of why this ministry matters.
The Intervention Program equips families with tools to communicate more effectively, understand their rights, and build healthier relationships—so they can stay together. Seeing this work firsthand reminded me how transformative it is for parents and children.
From the moment I stepped off the plane in Quito, my heart felt at home. The beauty of the countryside was just as I remembered it. I slipped easily back into the rhythm of the community I love and even felt surprisingly comfortable speaking and understanding Spanish again.
More stories will follow in the coming weeks—I simply cannot fit all I learned or how deeply my heart grew for this community into one update. Thank you for walking alongside us and for believing in the work happening in Ecuador.
Development Coordinator Jessica Dedert and her husband, Christopher, with staff at the Santiago Children’s Home.