How Do We Measure Progress?

Hello Friend,

As many of you know, we had to unexpectedly return to California recently so Michael could have eye surgery. Thankfully, all went well, though we will need to return again soon for a follow-up surgery. However, we also took the opportunity to meet with many dear friends while we were back. One of the frequent and legitimate questions we received was, "Are you seeing any progress with the girls you’ve been working with?" We’d like to share one example that we often gave in response.

Our first young lady came to us at 17 years old, in late in May of 2024. She, like each of our others, had been tragically abused from a very early age, in her case, by her stepfather. Once rescued, she was moved from one facility to another until she finally came to Reina’s Hope.

All of our girls are working with our amazing program director and psychologist, Estefani, going through a set of exercises called "Project Life." The girls are guided through a self-examination program exploring emotional strengths, goal setting, etc. When she first arrived, this one declared her life goal: "I want to be rich and powerful. I’d like to be a judge so I can tell others what to do." Considering her history, this was understandable and a defensive response to all she had been subjected to.

Recently, they revisited that same exercise, and now, just a few months later, she declared her new life goal: "I would like to be in a profession where I can help people. Perhaps I’ll become a teacher."

To us – THAT is how we measure progress. We see it nearly every day in the way our girls interact with us and with each other, like sisters. Like a family. While we were away in California for two weeks, they impressed us so much by stepping up to help with all the meals and other chores, taking care of each other, praying for us and especially for Michael, and even writing out their prayers for him.

There is so much more healing and progress to be made, but we rejoice in the small victories along the way. Thank you for making it all possible with your monthly support, which allows us to extend our reach to more young, at-risk girls here in Chiapas.

Until they all come home,