25 Years of Dreaming - A Donor’s Testimonial
Matthew 20:28: "Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
This beautiful verse summarizes perfectly the history of La Fraternidad Santa María del Paraíso and the nobility that dwells in the project. It is in this way that I see the beacon of hope continue to shine, guiding the lives of young dreamers for the past 25 years, and delivering to society men of integrity, men of God.
My name is Lorena Escorza González, another friend of La Fraternidad Ecuador and a front-row spectator of the miracles that God performs every day in the lives of the young people who have passed through it, during their journey in this gift called life.
Stories? There are many to tell... Testimonials? As many as we can imagine, but if I had to speak of one person in particular, there is definitely one name that encapsulates everything the La Frate is about: its objectives, its ideals, its purposes, its achievements, its experiences, and the heart of that little house nestled among the greenery of its gardens and the bustle of the city.
I am referring to the dear Leo, Leonel Vicencio, a Chilean who has engraved Ecuador's name deep in his heart and whom Ecuador has embraced as a son— chosen, distinguished, cherished. All that I say is too little to exalt the vocation of someone I have known for so many years, who remains the same: selfless, charitable, generous, and supportive, who has no qualms about giving his all for those in need, for those who dream, for those who struggle.
One cannot say no to the open smile of this "Chilecuadorian," because behind that smile are many things: needs that no one knows, lacks that only the walls of La Fraternidad Ecuador are aware of. Asking is not easy, explaining the reasons is not easy either, but the affable smile of a person who has given so much over the years can only have good reasons behind it and a great desire to bring this beautiful work forward, not only within the house but also in society. The help extends beyond the limits of La Frate— to the neighbor, the acquaintance, the newcomer, the needy.
Tell me if Jesus is not present in this great project that today celebrates 25 years of promoting moral values, fostering community volunteering, and developing life skills.
Of course, Jesus is present in its surroundings, in its day-to-day activities, in the young people who arrived yesterday fearful of the future and are now great professionals but above all men of integrity who do not forget the place that welcomed them and accompanied their dreams.
To La Fraternidad Ecuador: may there be many more years, may your work flourish as wheat flourishes in the fields of our beautiful highlands, may God touch the generous hearts of more people who help these young people day by day with their little grain of sand to educate themselves, to be good men, may all those who have made the success of La Frate possible: from its founders and leaders to the students, volunteers, and collaborators who have contributed to its growth and development over the years. Every one of you has left an indelible mark on the history of this little house and in the hearts of those who have benefited from your work.
As we celebrate these 25 years of achievements and learning, my family and I embrace you with our hearts and know that your adventure godmother will always be there, in little and in much, in good times and in others, because your prayers and your testimony have done more for me than I have for you.
May God always bless you!
