“Determination Multiplied Before My Eyes”

“PAYDAY moments”—those unexpected experiences that remind us we’re privileged to do what we do. For me, it was a trip up to a remote highland area in Ecuador. 

What began as a simple plan to register children from Punta Alta, a community perched at the top of a mountain and known for the perseverance of their families, quickly turned into something much bigger. 

To my surprise, families from the neighboring San Francisco community began arriving, navigating rugged terrain and, in some cases, pushing through poor health, just to give their children a chance to be part of the OneMeal program.

Each of our Hope Zones is unique, but this one really stood out because of how difficult it is to reach. After my husband, Steve, and I made the challenging trip, I realized the families in San Francisco face even greater obstacles every day with living far apart, scattered across hillsides. That reality made me even more determined to walk alongside them.

At first, we had only planned to register between 40 to 60 people. But by the end of the afternoon more than 200 people were registered. We realized we’d built a reputation as a reliable source of care and support. It wasn’t just about the food or activities. It was about their sense that someone outside their immediate community truly cared for their family’s well-being.

I’ll never forget watching families ride in the back of wooden box trucks, children clinging to their parents, all just to come and see us. I was amazed and felt deep honor and gratitude to be part of extending God’s love in this way.

That day wasn’t just about numbers—it was about seeing simple gestures that spoke volumes about hope, love, and the lengths parents will go for their children. One mother held her child’s hand and quietly thanked us for making the program possible. Another came with her two daughters, prepared with food so her girls could eat while waiting in line. As the older sister gently fed her little one, their mother smiled and told me how happy she was to have something special in her community.

Since then, I’ve seen how STORY and PLAY are making a difference in San Francisco and Punta Alta. Storyclubs bring joy, even in the rainy season when muddy roads force families to walk for hours just to attend. Many mothers volunteer to help teach the Bible stories. They arrive soaked and covered in mud, carrying extra clothes for their kids, yet their hearts are eager, full. What inspires me most is watching how children’s excitement for the stories draws their parents in. I’ve witnessed these families growing together, sharing faith.

My PAYDAY moment was watching determination multiply into a thriving community right before my eyes.

Our Impact Study confirms what I’ve experienced firsthand: when care and connection come together, transformation takes root. These moments are more than heartwarming stories…they are proof of real, lasting change.

Jacky Altamirano-Nine, our Global Communities Programs/Discipleship Director, is a native of Ecuador where she and her husband, Steve, serve with the KATW team. Together,  they witness transformation firsthand across hundreds of communities. Jacky’s compassion and servant heart never cease to inspire the many teams they host.

Ecuador’s community is proof: every journey, every effort, every connection matters. When you partner with Kids Around the World, your support doesn’t just fill bellies, tell stories, or build playgrounds. It builds hope into HOPE ZONES. 

Discover the full impact being made in communities much like the one in which Jacky served.


You can make a qualified charitable distribution by using the "Make a Gift From My IRA" tool through your IRA custodian or consult with your employer’s human resources department to get the simple form to designate Kids Around The World (EIN #36-4007250) as a beneficiary of your retirement account.

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