If you have been to Agua Viva, you have likely tried her food. Jovanna is the lady who helps us in the kitchen, cleaning and tidying everything at the camp and of course, cooking when mission teams come to serve in the community.
Eight years ago, Jovanna arrived at Project M:25 with her 1-year-old-daughter, Melina, and without a clear direction in her life. Jovanna had studied to be a dressmaker and had a sewing business with many clients. Unfortunately she was deceived by the government and lost her small shop. As a result, she had to go back to live with her parents. As a single mom with debts and pending bills rapidly piling up, she started to clean houses and take on sewing gigs every other week.
That is when she learned about Project M:25. She started cleaning and making sure everything was clean and tidy before kids would come in the afternoons. It was clear that she was talented, hungry to learn and a hard worker. She soon became Sophie’s kitchen assistant, who taught her recipes and helped her learn best practices.
Jovanna is an excellent student and quickly found a deep love for cooking. She had the desire to learn more in the culinary industry but she did not feel capable of doing so.
When she joined the Precious Jewels program, she started a process to improve her self-esteem and developed a support network of good and healthy relationships.
A couple of years ago, she decided to take a bakery class. She dreams of opening a home-based bakery shop to sell desserts and make a steady income for her and her family. She realized it is never too late to start.
Today, Jovanna not only helps with the kitchen and cleaning of the camp but her skills are a blessing for the entire community. She is in charge of the campground’s linen and supplies warehouse where her detail-oriented mind and service-heart are combined to keep everything functioning smoothly.
Jovanna is a happy woman who never gives up. About 6 months ago she had to learn how to use a computer to keep a digital inventory. At Project M:25 she learned how to use a computer and said “it is never too late to start something new”. Some days she gets frustrated and fears attack her, but she trusts the Lord and is confident that “he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion” (Phillipians 1:6)
Thanks to your partnership, women like Jovana are growing and striving. “Thank you for trusting on me. You taught me that it is never too late to learn and I am grateful for everything I learn here. It helps me to be a better person and think of a better future for me and my daughter.”