Path Of Hope - Everyday Life (June 2026)
This month's story is about our visit to Zoila (her pseudonym) and the opportunity we had to experience a little of her everyday life.
Getting to her home was quite an adventure. We left the car at the last place the road allowed us to go, and from there we expected to walk about 15 minutes to her house, which is tucked away in the mountains.
But the journey turned out to be much harder than we imagined. It had rained heavily the night before, leaving the trail muddy and very slippery. We were all wearing regular sneakers, so every step took extra care, and what should have been a 15-minute walk ended up taking almost 30 minutes.
When we finally arrived, Zoila and her family welcomed us with open arms. Zoila was so happy to see us because our visit was a surprise. She hadn't been able to receive our messages, so she wasn't expecting us at all.
Even though she was recovering from a cold and is naturally a little shy, Zoila was happy to spend time talking with us. She shared how much she enjoyed the Light in My Story gathering and told us she's already looking forward to the next one. She admitted that she was nervous before going for the first time, but once she arrived, she felt welcomed and accepted. She made new friends, learned more about taking care of herself and her emotions, found time to relax, laugh, and simply enjoy being with other girls her age.
One of the most meaningful moments for her was learning more about God and receiving her very first Bible as a special gift. Today, she reads it regularly and continues learning more about God's love every day.
Zoila has also returned to school, showing incredible determination to keep moving forward despite the challenges she faces. She couldn't do it without the support of her family, who encourage her to continue studying and help care for her baby while she attends classes.
One of the biggest challenges she faces is completing her schoolwork. Her community has no electricity, no cell phone service, and no internet access, making even simple homework assignments difficult. The family shares one cell phone, which they have to charge at a relative's house some distance away. Whenever they need a phone signal, they have to climb a nearby hill. The signal isn't very strong, but it's enough to stay connected.
When it was time to leave, Zoila and her family walked with us back to the road. As we made our way down the muddy trail, I couldn't help but notice how easily she walked through it. She moved quickly and confidently while the rest of us struggled to keep our balance. I asked her how she could walk so fast, and with a smile she simply said, "This is the path I take to school every day. I'm used to it."
I then looked at her shoes and realized they were far cleaner than mine. In that moment, I understood something much deeper about Zoila’s life. Just as she faithfully walks this difficult road to school every day, she has also faced countless emotional and personal challenges. Yet she has never given up.
Her story is one of incredible strength, perseverance, and hope. It reminded me that while the journey may be difficult, having people who believe in you, walk alongside you, and remind you that you are not alone can make all the difference.
- by Karen Adrian
