I realized today that the last time I updated this blog was June 14, 2012. Two days before Kenya was born. For those who do not know, we had a very traumatic birth experience in the DR which was violently mishandled which left both my daughter Kenya and myself with serious medical issues so we are both back in the states now. Sadly, we were not able to go back to operate the safehouse for underage girls as we had intended. Believe me when I say that no one has had a harder time accepting this than I have. However, even though we are no longer in the DR to serve with La Alianza, the ministry is still alive and well and I have received news from my team member Jeanette about some of the exciting things they have going on.
The first piece of exciting news is that in the house where we were living in Jarabacoa, they have started an educational pre-school program for the children of the women in the area who had been previously working in prostitution. The goal of this program is two-fold. First, the women who want to find new jobs or start businesses and be free of prostitution will not be held back due to childcare restraints and will be able to engage in alternate daytime work with the assurance that their children are well taken care of. Second, the children are able to engage in a hands-on educational pre-school program where they are loved and valued. We believe this is taking the first step to breaking the cycle of poverty and prostitution that is so common in these communities. The children will have the early tools they need to be successful in future school programs, while learning about a God who loves them and building dreams for a future where the sky is the limit. Here are some details from the program...
- There are currently ten children in the program between the ages of 2 and 6 years old. There are 3 teachers (one certified) so the children receive all the individualized attention they need. There is also a chauffer who provides transportation for all of the children to and from the pre-school program.
- The children usually arrive to the program hungry and are met with a full nutritious lunch time meal, as well as an afternoon snack, so they are able to learn with full and happy bellies.
- In addition to early academic skills, the children also engage in character building activities so they learn to treat others with love and kindness, as well as Biblical lessons about a big God who loves each of them.
- Children have free time for discovery learning where they are able to engage in play activities with peers with a variety of educational toys and resources.
- Due to the fact that these children live in poverty, they are also all given baths during the week as running water is a luxury most of them live without.
- Most importantly, the children are treated with love, respect, and dignity, and learn that they have value and a future full of exciting possibilities!
Our team also still engages in outreach ministry with the local brothels and the safehouse is ready to receive women in need who are wanting to leave prostitution or have other housing needs.
We cannot do this without your help! Please consider supporting this program to help these women and their precious children. There are many ways you can do this. You can support this program through prayer, financial support, donating materials, or volunteering your time abroad. Please let us know if you are interested in helping. There is currently a pressing need for cloth diapers for children in the program. If you are able to donate these, please let us know! The program is also in need of educational materials, healthcare items, and more.
To find out more about how you can help, you can email our partner organization Priceless International who supports La Alianza and I can proudly share that I am now a board member of! Please email pricelessinternational@gmail.com for more information on opportunities on how you can help this ministry.
Thank you for your love, prayers and support!!
Love,
Kristin
