A Tale of Hope and Transformation: Berta and Her Girls
A decade ago, in the heart of Los Guaricanos, a mission trip etched itself into the narrative of ASON International. Ellen Abramson, the President and Founder, found herself amidst the bustling preparations for a wedding at the Adonai church. Amidst the flurry, two young souls, Albairis and her cousin, Nicole, seized the chance to peek through the half-opened door, their eyes curious and full of wonder. Fate had orchestrated their introduction.
Nicole's labored breaths, however, couldn't escape Ellen’s discerning gaze. Without a moment's hesitation, Ellen took charge, arranging a visit to the local children's clinic. Yet, this wasn't to be their final meeting.
Three and five, their tender ages, once again drew Ellen's attention. This time, they were discovered wandering the shadowed streets of Los Guaricanos in the middle of the night. Even the adults dared not venture out here, their homes fortified by iron bars on windows and doors. The question loomed large: What had drawn these youngsters outside, unattended, in the dark of night? In these parts, girls in similar circumstances often slipped into the perilous grasp of prostitution or human trafficking.
Digging deeper into their stories, the disheartening truth unfurled. Nicole's grandparents shouldered the burden of her care, while Albairis resided with her single mother, abandoned by her father. Both families grappled with overwhelming challenges, struggling to provide the girls with the love and attention they deserved.
In the midst of these trials, Ellen glimpsed a glimmer of promise in these young hearts—a divine spark and an unquenchable curiosity.
In her quest for a safe harbor, Ellen sought counsel from the head of the Adonai Ministry, who, with conviction, recommended Berta—the custodian of the Adonai Evangelical School. Berta, despite her already cramped two-bedroom apartment and the responsibility of two daughters, Misraidi and Ruth, selflessly agreed to open her heart and home to Albairis and Nicole. Albairis's mother, understanding the potential for a brighter future, consented. Nicole's guardian, initially hesitant, ultimately recognized the wisdom in this arrangement, entrusting her to Berta's care.
Though resources were scarce, Berta's unwavering faith in divine providence emboldened her to take this leap of faith. In the background, ASON, the ever-compassionate orchestrator, connected the girls' plight with a compassionate couple in the United States, who willingly shouldered their expenses through ASON.
Several years later, during yet another mission trip, it was Maciel who captured Ellen's heart—a young soul perched in the back of a pickup truck. Maciel's mother, entangled with a local pimp, cast a shadow over her future. After deliberate contemplation, Berta extended her maternal embrace to include Maciel. Two generous couples from the United States stepped forward, not only supporting Maciel's monthly needs but also assisting in securing a more spacious apartment through ASON.
And then, as if guided by providence itself, Berta was offered the opportunity to construct a home above her sister's dwelling. She secured a bank loan and embarked on this ambitious journey. Recognizing the paramount importance of homeownership for the children's security, ASON and its unwavering supporters rallied behind her, funding the construction of a haven for Berta, her daughter, and the three young girls. Come April of 2023, this abode stood tall—a beacon of hope in a turbulent neighborhood.
Today, Ruth, one of Berta's daughters, a beneficiary of ASON's sponsorship, strides toward higher education with the aid of a coveted scholarship. Her inspiration? The tragic loss of her older sister's child to a congenital heart ailment—a catalyst for her aspiration to become a cardiologist. When children are liberated from the shackles of poverty and granted opportunities, their potential knows no bounds.
Albairis, Nicole, and Maciel flourish within the walls of the Adonai school, their education made possible by ASON's generous sponsorship. The paths that God will unveil for them remain a mystery, yet it was their spirited nature and boundless curiosity that beckoned Ellen to safeguard their future. We stand in eager anticipation of the next enthralling chapter in their extraordinary journey—a journey that propels them toward university and beyond.
In the shadow of daunting challenges that loom over Los Guaricanos, hope perseveres—a beacon that shines brightest during the darkest hours. Just as amidst the fiercest tempest at sea, the ripples of kindness create transformative change, radiating far from the epicenter of the storm. This is a testament to the indomitable impact that ASON and its unwavering supporters have wrought upon a community in need, painting a vivid tapestry of hope and resilience.
