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August Update 2023

¡Hola familia Sembrando Esperanza! It's Ale here, and I must admit, I'm not much of a writer, haha! You usually hear from my talented husband with the updates, but this time, I felt compelled to share some thoughts with all of you. This month's update is different from our previous ones, as it marks a significant change in our lives. As many of you know, on the 4th of July, Austin and I traveled to the States, and it's hard to believe that a month has already passed. For the past year, Austin has been living in West Des Moines, and I've been in Honduras. The time apart was undoubtedly challenging for both of us, but looking back, we understand that it was necessary. We each had our roles to fulfill, and I needed to be with my family in La Unión, taking care of my dad during his final days. It was a tough period, losing not only my dad but also my uncle and grandma within a year. Grieving has been an ongoing process, and I've come to realize that society's notion of a time frame for grief is a big lie. Nevertheless, I believe that with time, God helps us become stronger, and the pain gradually feels a bit lighter, if that makes any sense. Throughout these difficult times, our family has been taken care of by God, and we trust that He will continue to do so. Now, we're both living together in West Des Moines, and I couldn't be happier for Austin as he prepares for the new school year. During my visit in February, I had the chance to meet some of his students. Austin might not talk about it much, but he truly shines as a beacon of hope for these kids. They come from various backgrounds, and he not only teaches them math but also provides much-needed emotional support. It's challenging, but God strengthens him daily to face these difficulties. Austin's dedication to modeling God's love and grace through his actions and teaching is commendable. On my end, I have a clear agenda for the next year. We're working with a lawyer to obtain a green card for me, which will allow me to work here. The process is in its initial stages, and I've already completed a medical check-up, vaccines, and blood work. It can take 12 to 18 months, and it's quite costly, so we want to ensure everything goes smoothly, hence the decision to have a lawyer's assistance. Interestingly, we connected with this lawyer through a Honduran lady Austin met at church. She's reputable and knows what she's doing, and for that, we are grateful. While waiting, I've been tutoring some students to keep myself busy, and I'm also exploring volunteer opportunities, though my lack of driving privileges limits my options. If you have any hobby suggestions, please feel free to share them with me! Additionally, I'm excited to get more involved with Sembrando Esperanza, investing my time in our ministry. In other news, you might recall from our last newsletter that Austin shared two significant projects we've been dreaming of accomplishing: equipping a computer lab and building a roof for the basketball court. The good news is that God is already working to help us secure the necessary funding. We have a generous donor matching every donation we receive, up to $30,000. (More on this to come! ) Austin and I are still overwhelmed by such kindness and love. It's a true blessing to have people who believe in our dreams and exemplify Christ-like living by not getting caught up in material possessions. Our board is working on ways to maximize this opportunity and will share more information about fundraising events and ways to give in the future. In the meantime, if you would like to give immediately to the computer lab and gymnasium, you can do so through our Givebutter link. The decision to move to the States was not an easy one for us. Leaving a place with so much potential for doing good was tough. As you know, we have a deep passion for sharing the gospel, supporting education, and advocating for Honduras. It took a lot of prayers to make the official move. We've lost some supporters during this transition, and we completely understand and harbor no ill feelings. However, the immense support we've received is a clear indication that God is still working with us, for us, and through us, no matter where we are located. We're excited for more opportunities and connections, and we firmly believe that our ministry will continue to grow and impact lives, thanks to all of you. Lastly, thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your generous donations, prayers, and unwavering belief in us. Your presence in our community is a true blessing. We'll be reaching out soon with more details about our fundraising events. PS. Thank you for reading this rather lengthy email. Your time and attention mean a lot to us! With love and gratitude, Ale (and Austin)


Empowering to empower.

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