Bonsai After-School Program

A little Bonsai update:

Things in Ecuador always take longer than planned, but we are hoping tomorrow we finally get the paperwork we need to get back to normal.

Even as a non-profit that doesn't need a permit, we had to pay for a certificate that says we don't need a permit to show to the police if stopped again.

We've been able to keep going this week with families who found other transportation, but we're at about 1/3 of our usual size.

Please keep praying for us and for our kids. We appreciate you all so much.

Please pray for Bonsai🙏

We’re hitting some unexpected roadblocks trying to get a newly required permit to drive with the kids. On Tuesday, the police tried to detain our van and give a ticket, but thankfully it ended with just a warning.

We feel overwhelmed because every office and officer had told us a different process - so we kinda feel like this picture 🤪

We’ve hired an attorney who is going to submit paperwork tomorrow. Please pray that it gets approved so we can get back to activities with the kids on Monday.

We trust God is in control. Thank you for praying with us.

1st Trimester = DONE!*✨

We’re so proud of our Bonsai students! Most finished with great grades and everyone worked incredibly hard these last few months. We had a national holiday on Monday to rest, recharge, and now we’re back ready to start the 2nd trimester 💪

Please pray with us that our students keep the same dedication and discipline for the 2nd trimester.

Check out some highlights from trimester # 1 👇

Staff Spotlight: Tío Wilton 🚐

Punctual ✅ Reliable ✅ Loves to serve ✅

Tio Wilton is the reason our students get to and from Bonsai safely every day. He picks them up from school, drops them off at home, and drives through the crazy Manta traffic like a pro!

He also keeps our van running with all the maintenance and repairs, and shops for our fruits, veggies, fish and drinking water every week. Most days you’ll find him playing volleyball or soccer with the kids. 🏐

Thank you, Tio Wilton, for all you do! We appreciate you so much.

Staff Spotlight: Tia Janneth 🌟

Janneth works with our teenagers at Bonsai and she is the definition of organized, firm, and a master multitasker.

On top of leading our teen program, she recently took on ALL parent communication and coordinating the van schedules. She keeps so many moving parts running smoothly!

And here’s the part that makes us so proud: while working with us, Janneth went back to school and earned her GED. She now only has 1.5 semesters left until she graduates with a degree in Social Work.

We are so thankful for you, Janneth! 💛

Teacher Spotlight: Tia Joselyne! 💛

She works with our 3rd-6th graders and brings so much joy to our team!

Joselyne is patient, creative, and easy-going. As the youngest member of our team, she brings fresh ideas and lots of energy. 😄

Lately she’s taken over planning Bible time each week, and she does an amazing job! She prepares games, crafts, and activities that help our kids learn and have fun at the same time.

We are so thankful for her heart and energy. Our students are blessed to have her!

Meet Tia Nelly!

She’s the heart behind our youngest students. She works with our kids from ages 3-7. She started as a volunteer back in 2016.

In the last 2 months, she’s welcomed 6 new students to her class — and is loving every minute of it!

Tia Nelly has endless patience, a big-kid spirit for playtime, and the perfect balance of firmness when it comes to homework and learning. She makes sure our little ones feel loved, challenged, and safe to grow.

She’s also a great cook and helps with the menu every week. We are so fortunate to have her as a part of our team!

Big news: Our high school volunteers are BACK! 🎉

This year we’re teaming up with TWO local schools who send us 7-10 high school students Monday through Wednesday. One of the schools is also is helping our Bonsai students learn some basic English — colors, foods, commands, etc.

Now that we have added 10 new kids in Bonsai, we need all the help we can get. We are grateful for these students for giving their time and loving our kids so well!! ❤️

What a great afternoon! ⚽️💛💙❤️

There’s nothing quite like the excitement of the World Cup. Yesterday we had an amazing time watching Ecuador vs. Germany with our Bonsai kids. Shouting, nerves, laughs, face paint, snacks, horns and so much love for La Tri.

Win or lose, these moments with them are priceless. But after two tough losses, the win sure was fun!!! 🥳

We want to send a HUGE thank you to the team from Johnson City, TN! 🙌

You jumped right in with us this week and made a real impact!

✨ They led VBS and taught our kids about God’s free gift of grace.
📁 They prepped folders so our kids have something to work on when homework is done.
🫟 They used paint brushes and helped freshen up spaces at the church.
🥋They led a self-defense class for our Bonsai moms and older kids.

More than the tasks, we’re grateful for how you loved our kids and served alongside us. You modeled grace while teaching it.

# BonsaiFamily