BLOG UPDATES
BLOG UPDATES
dried leaves on white concrete floor

Thankful For YOU

Someone to see them, love them, and advocate for them.

UPDATE

Kim Orellana

10/4/20263 min read

a group of young girls sitting on top of a grass covered field
a group of young girls sitting on top of a grass covered field

This beautiful fall morning has me thinking about all the things I have to be thankful for. And, of course, YOU are at the very top of that list!

Do you realize that many of us have been on this journey together for almost 28 years? That is a long time to pray together, serve together, give together, and watch God do things we could never have imagined on our own. I am so grateful that you are still here—still reading these updates, still praying for my family and for the ministry God continues to invite us into, and still willing to walk alongside us as we respond to what He is doing.

And He has been busy!

As I look back over this past year, I am reminded that God rarely gives us the whole picture at once. More often, He simply asks us to take the next step, trust Him with the outcome, and stand in the gap for those who need someone to see them, love them, and advocate for them.

That is what we have been doing in Ecuador.

From Vision to Action

The Rock Family Center is helping Ecuador build a family-based system of care for vulnerable children—one where children who cannot safely remain with their biological families have the opportunity to experience the safety, belonging, healing, and permanency that come through family.

And this year, we have seen that vision begin to take shape.

By the end of 2026, 10 families will have completed foster family preparation and training, with their portfolios submitted to Ecuador’s Ministerio de Trabajo y Desarrollo Humano (MTDH) for approval. Behind that number are families who have spent countless hours learning, growing, praying, and preparing to open their homes and hearts to children who have experienced tremendous loss and trauma.

And this is only the beginning.

In 2027, we are praying and working toward 15 foster families and 15 support families being trained and approved, 15 children being welcomed into safe, nurturing family-based care, and 15 biological families receiving support as they work toward restoration and reunification when appropriate. We will also continue building relationships with churches, government, judges, and child protection professionals in Cuenca and Guayaquil.

But when I look at these goals, I don't see numbers.

I see children.

A child who deserves to feel safe.
A child who deserves to belong.
A child who deserves the chance to heal.
A child who needs someone willing to stand in the gap.

And This Is Where You Come In

For almost 28 years, you have been part of this story. You have prayed when we needed prayer. You have given when there was a need. You have traveled with us. You have encouraged us through difficult seasons. And sometimes, you have simply read one of these updates and reminded us that we are not walking this road alone.

Thank you. Truly.

As we step into 2027, I am asking you to continue walking with us.

Pray for the 10 families finishing their journey toward approval. Pray for the children who are waiting for safe and loving families. Pray for biological families working toward restoration. And pray for the Ecuadorian teams who are faithfully carrying this vision forward every day.

And if God is prompting you, I invite you to consider how you might partner financially as well.

This vision is bigger than any one person or organization. It will take families, churches, professionals, government leaders, and friends like you working together to build something that can truly last.

Together, we are helping create a future where vulnerable children have the opportunity to experience safe, stable, nurturing family life—and, whenever possible, restoration with their biological families.

I am incredibly grateful that God has allowed me to be part of this work. But even more than that, I am grateful that He has allowed us to be part of it together.

Thank you for standing in the gap.Thank you for helping make the unseen seen.