THIRTY YEARS AGO, IT BEGAN AS A DREAM.
John and Lucia Cook envisioned a home for orphaned children. Today, their dream has become a reality. Their forty-acre mountain center, nestled among tall pines, is situated near the town of Ario de Rosales in the south-central Mexican State of Michoacán. It is a place bustling with children of all ages who are challenged with a vision of hope... a future unveiling.
Through the years, they have cared for over 200 little ones. Forty-six have been legally adopted. Along with their eight natural children, they have formed their grand family. Many have fulfilled their childhood dreams and have begun their technical and professional careers. Presently, two of their children are studying medicine; one dentistry, one veterinary medicine, one languages and another computer science, all at universities in Morelia and Guadalajara. At their rural center, there is a quiver full who, along with their studies, are challenged with their animal and agricultural projects. For their leisure, there is soccer, Basketball and Horseback riding. Each day comes to a close with song and a campfire.
Alfredo had a natural affection for animals as a child. He was a beautiful child who came to us without parents from Mexico City. His affection for animals later became his passion as he pursued a career in veterinary medicine. Alfredo graduated in June and was married in October. Today, he is establishing his practice in a small town near Apatzangan, Michoacan.
ALFREDO ORPHANED AS A CHILD found a home, a career and a future at Mano de Ayuda.
Joel came to us severely malnourished out of extreme poverty at the age of three. He has followed in Alfredo’s footsteps and is now in his third year of veterinary medicine. Pictured below with Lucia after his high school graduation, his dream of a future is about to be fulfilled.
JOEY´S LIFE HAS CHANGED from poverty and malnutrition to a bright new future.
THE THRUST OF MANO DE AYUDA is all about inertia. It is about the little forces that move a child through life where his imaginations and dreams become rewarding realities. We have found that self-worth is the force that propels one toward his goals and dreams. One learns to value self when he is valued. One is valued when he is loved and when that love is shared unconditionally. The love that seasons one’s heart has only one Source. That Source is Jesus. There is no greater Love! A few years ago, five brothers and sisters who had been abandoned, slept around our bed. During the night, we would feel their little hands touching our feet to ensure themselves that we were still there. Today, they’re touching their tomorrow; and more importantly, touching others with that love that has nurtured them.
We have shared in the wounds of our children. We have cried with them. We have laughed with them. Yet, more importantly each has been encouraged to reach for the stars... to become... to touch what seemed to be impossible. Now, after twenty-nine years, many have entered life embracing their futures as their dreams have become joyful realities.
A MOTHER & DAD... A FAMILY & a place of hope called home.
THE JOYS OF PARENTHOOD,
lives changed, dreams becoming realities.
The finishing touches of little vessels
in the Potter's hands
