Daniela is a young woman I have written about multiple times throughout our years in El Salvador.  We met her when she had just given birth, at the age of 11 years old, to her daughter, Fernanda.  Dani had been a victim of incest.  She was beyond traumatized by the pregnancy and birth, being only a child herself.  After Fernanda’s birth, Dani felt her life was over, she was hopeless.  Heartbroken ourselves at the situation of this precious little one, we begged God to give us the opportunity to make a difference in Dani’s life.  Little by little, over time, we took opportunities to help her and her family in different ways.  But, when she had graduated from the 9^th grade and told us that she was dropping out of school, we knew that NOW was our time to step in.  We stubbornly refused to see her quit.  Dani had been a hard worker and a good student.  We knew she had hopes and dreams, but, she felt that there was just too much stacked up against her. 

We believed that God had plans for her beyond what she could imagine.  We met with Dani and her mom and told her we wanted to give her a scholarship to attend a good private high school in a neighboring larger city.  She was overwhelmed and incredulous.  She went for it, and has been working her tail off to be able to keep up with the rigorous level of education.  At times, she almost quit, as all the demands in her life felt like too much.  But, she didn’t.  She persevered.  And now, this week, David and I watched her walk across the stage in the closing ceremonies of her graduating class to receive her certificate of accomplishment.  She is on the honor roll again this year.   We are so proud of Daniela.  We have looked forward to this day for years, and we are so excited to celebrate with her! 

Years ago, Dani told me that she wanted to be a doctor so that she could help people that were less fortunate than herself.  She knows what it is like to suffer poor access to good medical help.  She wants to be a part of the solution in her country.  She studied in a technical high school on a medical track to prepare herself for university medical school. 

She is ready.  She and her daughter are making the transition to live and study in our Hope House Women’s home, and she begins her pre-university course at the Evangelical University, December 1^st.  As of this writing, we do not have a sponsor for Daniela and her daughter, Fernanda, who is now 7 years old.   But, we are moving forward, trusting that God will provide. 

Daniela and Fernanda's costs for living at the Hope House and Daniela attending the university will be $460 each month.

If you, your church or organization would like to help Daniela to keep moving forward, towards her dreams, please contact us at: kathporter5@gmail.com.  We will help you to become part of Daniela’s support team!  Thank you!