Kacey and Marco Toctaquiza currently attend HCC, however, several years ago, they began Hope House for homeless youth in Macas, Ecuador, Marco’s home town.  While they are here in Gig Harbor, friends Silvia and Edwin are in charge of this wonderful home.  Kacey’s latest update follows (Kacey is the daughter of HCC members Doug and Linda Olsen):

 

Edwin and Silvia continue to do a great job. We spoke last week for almost an hour and I got updates on the boys and the

situation in Macas. The general environment and flow of life in Macas are back to normal after an eventful few months including strikes and talks of war between the Shuar and Colonos. We are glad things are better and that food and provisions are back

in town.
 
Silvia said the boys are doing well and studying. It has always been a struggle to get the Hope House kids to study and be diligent, but I think they are doing a great job at sticking to their studies. Edwin is really good at helping out with homework.
 
Lorena has been back at HH helping out with housekeeping and cooking. It is such a huge job and I know Silvia likes having her help.  Lorena will be going to Riobamba in a few months to begin cooking school there. I am happy that Hope House has been a

place for her to grow and a stepping stone to reaching her goals. A new girl is now calling Hope House home, though only for a month or so until some other issues are worked out.  We see it as an opportunity to share God's love with her.  In addition, there

are two boys who may come to the house in the next month or so.  I spoke last week with former HH resident, Lisandro (in Nicaragua studying missions) who is happy and doing well. 

Silvia also mentioned some needs regarding the youth at Hope House.  Ricardo Vergara (HCC member) is leaving December 9 to visit HH and has agreed to take some Christmas gifts. Let me know if you are interested in helping with clothing items (i.e. boys shorts, tees and maybe shoes). A Christmas package would be a great encouragement to all of them. Silvia also mentioned the need of a computer. Our laptop, which I left there, died and it has been hard to get up to town to keep up with emails and communication. If you would like to donate towards that, please contact me.
 
All is well us. Diego likes his teacher at school and is almost finished with soccer. Isa is trying to keep up with Diego and has

learned to count to two and say NO with great authority. Marco and I are enjoying the Hispanic Ministry at Harbor Covenant. 

The new pastor (of Spanish ministries), Moises Garcia, is awesome and we are excited to see what God continues to do this next year.  I am having a super time with worship and women’s worship Come Thirsty, which takes place each month on the first

Friday evening.

 
Thank you for your continued prayers and support of the Hope House Ministry.  Pray for the youth living there and for Edwin and Silvia. They need energy and wisdom as they continue to serve in our place.  God bless you and your family.

 

With Much Love and Thanks,
 
Marco and Kacey Toctaquiza

 
We are to get funds for a computer for Hope House.  Silvia mentioned that the kids have lots of homework to do, especially on the internet and we need to keep Hope House documents and files up to date.   If you have interest in helping with that, let me know.
 
Hope House is growing!  We are praying and trying to brainstorm ideas to build additional housing on the property.  We would like to build and have more room to help out these kids who continually deal with abandonment and neglect.  Therefore, this year we are planning a trip to Macas to discuss what plans and/or changes need to be made in order to help Hope House.  We plan to be there in July or early August.
Right now we are looking for accommodating tickets.
 
Here is Lisandro’s (a former resident of HH, now studying to be a missionary) letter from Nicaragua:
 
hola kacey
bueno este tiempo a sido para mi un tiempo muy bueno a sido un tiempo de pruevas pero  he podido conseguir la victoria en medio de eso sabes a sido un gran reto estar aqui. la semna pasado fuy a visitar a un amigo pero me salio muy caro el biaje porque tube que gastar pero se que me alcansara el dinero aunque sea con las ultimas tratare de que me ajuste pero estoy muy bien por el momento y cada vez estoy aprendiendo nuevas cosas  que muchas veses son un gran desafio pero a vamos luchando y eso me ayuda a ser mas fuerte y mas firmes en muchas cosas 
 
bueno saluda a todos y abrazos de mi parte 
 
lisandro
  
Hi kacey,
Well, it has been a good time for me. It has been a time of trials but I have been able to gain the victory in the middle of all of it. It has been a great challenge for me to be here. Last week I went to visit a friend but it turned out to be expensive because I had to spend a lot on that. I know the money I have will be enough for now and I will make what I have left last. I am fine for now.  I am learning new things and many times it is a great challenge for me and I am struggling and marching on. That helps me be stronger and firmer in many things.
 
Greet everyone and give hugs from me..
 
Lisandro
 
I know that many times in ministry there are ups and downs and situations that require much thought and prayer. However, we know God has been faithful to us and now with Silvia and Edwin as they continue to manage and work with us for these youth.  Thank you for all your love, support and encouragement as we continue to press on.
 
The Hope House support group meets the first Wednesday of every month at Doug and Linda Olsen's home if you are interested in joining.  We pray and talk about issues concerning the ministry and would love to have new faces.
 
Thank you again and may God bless you this week!

Hope House Updates