And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
2 Corinthians 3:18
This month I get the beautiful opportunity to work with the Women at Transforma. The stories of these women are so impactful to my life. These women love so strongly, they endure so much more than I can imagine, and they have faith that is larger than the biggest mountain. I would love to be able to tell you all of the stories of the women here but we would be here for days! To the women of Transforma I love you and will pray for you!
Transforma works in impoverished communities including Sinai in San Jose. This is a community with high rates of poverty, unemployment, low education, violence, insecurity, and lack of decent housing, family disintegration, early motherhood, and many other challenges. In 2012 Sinai was declared by the government as the community with the highest amount of underage, pregnant girls in the country.
Of the participants in the Transforma project: 98% didn’t finish high school while 50% has their first child before the age of 18, with most of them having between 2 and 5 kids while only 10% of these women being legally married.
Transforma’s commitment is love, empower, and impact. Since 2012 we’ve provided support for hundreds of women and children from different communities in their integral development. We have provided opportunities that have resulted in the transformation of lives and families. This year we have participants from 4 nearby communities.
Transforma holds workshops for skill discovery and development such as sewing, hair styling, makeup, manicure/pedicure, jewelry, and cooking, and English classes among others.
Transforma makes materials and equipment available so they can produce their own items and services; sell them for their personal savings plans that way they can purchase their own equipment and materials while earning an income. Transforma’s strategy is to motivate each participant to work hard throughout the year and graduate with their own tools (they do not give away these tools, they earn them). This way Transforma strengthens the women’s sense of identity, dignify their efforts, and celebrate their achievements.
Transforma also provides formal entrepreneurship training through the National Learning Institute (INA in Spanish) and other professional volunteers, helping them create a personal business plan.
Transforma offers specialized attention for the participant’s children through the Montessori Schooling Method and helps them each year with uniforms and other necessary school supplies.
Transforma is a caring community and a safe place for the women, children, and families. Transforma restores their sense of value, purpose, and the concept of their original design through seminars. Transforma teaches principles and life changing biblical values. Transforma provides spiritual and emotional support throughout the processes.
Transforma also gives glory to God and teaching the women and children to have an intimate relationship with Him. They believe that this is one of the most important values to have a successful life.
Our weekly schedule:
Mondays 8-9am Alfa Course with Pastor Suzy
9-1 pm Beauty Club (Hair Dying)
Tuesday 8-9am Devotional and teaching of values
9-1 pm Sewing Club
Therapeutic Massage Club
Wednesday 8-9am Intercession Time
9-1 pm Prophetic walk + House visitations
Thursday 8-9am Devotional for Staff Team
9-1pm Entrepreneurship Club
Friday 8:30-9am Devotional and teaching of values
9-2 pm English Club
Our Project:
So we have had the opportunity to create a video for Transforma. This video is part of the petition for the Costa Rica Government to change the law– making it easier for people to start businesses. We were able to go to the women’s homes and ask their stories. We found out why it would benefit them to have a new law that would assist them in starting their business. Please be in prayer about the Government’s decision on this new law.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N0kcJUxZFYA
Other stories to ask about:
Banana Spiders
Stripping for Jesus
Psalm 41:3
The women with the yellow umbrella
New Life New Glory
Fundraising:
We have raised $14,303!! Wow! I am still needing to raise $2,258 to be fully funded! Don’t forget we will be having a dinner fundraiser on 10/24! Ask my mother all the details of it! Like I said in the last blog I have already hit my total of 13,000 for my next deadline in November!
Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Luke 6:38
