Newsletter February 2026
Hello everyone!
Gratitude is the word that best describes our past weeks. We are thankful for so many things we have been able to experience, shape, and witness. With this newsletter, we would like to share our joy and our experiences with you.
Children’s Week: “Misión Posible – Mission Possible”
After an intensive summer holiday week with four hours of daily activities at two of our three locations, the leadership team reflected together on what had been challenging and what had been especially encouraging.
Sara (name changed) beamed and said with a firm voice that she had never imagined being part of a team, feeling comfortable, and even dancing in front of children. I was reminded of her first visit with us. At the beginning of November, her brother José (18), who is now officially part of the EsEs staff team, had invited her to our youth weekend. At that time, she sat in the circle with her hair covering her face and hardly dared to laugh without covering her mouth. Recently, her mother told me that since the youth camp, Sara has no longer had suicidal thoughts and is participating more actively in life again. During Children’s Week, she—along with other teenagers—took on increasing responsibility and experienced a sense of self-efficacy.
Under the theme “Misión Posible – Mission Possible,” connected with the biblical story of Noah, we experienced a diverse and lively week. Games, crafts, dance, small group times, and much more were part of the program. For many children—and also for nu- merous mothers—this week became a special highlight during the otherwise often monotonous three-month summer holidays.
Children’s Week
clothes for dolls
EsEs Summer Activities
Even before Children’s Week, various activities took place at all three locations. The foundation for these programs was laid at the end of last year. Each team member contributed ideas, indicated where they would like to be involved, and formulated what they hoped to achieve.
Step by step, a wide range of workshops and courses emerged: chess, juggling, soccer, crafts for different age groups, hair braiding, sewing classes for children (making doll clothes), English lessons, tutoring, and much more. Our staff noticed that their ideas were heard and implemented. Many took responsibility for their areas and worked increasingly independently. This initiative strengthens not only the programs but also confidence and motivation within the team.
Sports also played an important role during the summer. This year, the national floorball tournament took place in Trujillo. Two Estación Esperanza teams traveled there together with several parents. As in previous years, some families used the occasion to spend a few additional days together. This is very encouraging, as vacations and breaks are not a given for many families in the slum areas. Sports—especially floorball—provide not only movement and joy but also a preventive framework. They promote discipline, teamwork, perseverance, and a healthy use of free time, contributing to the positive and sustainable development of families.
Esperanza
Team Retreat
At the Indicamino (CH Mission) guesthouse, we held a retreat together with our team. The first half of the three days was spent with the core team, followed by all staff members—except for our three security guards, who continued to ensure safety in Mi Perú around the clock.
A central part of the program was renewing ourselves in God’s presence. In everyday life, we often focus on giving; here, we were able to receive anew. Times of fellowship were equally important, with shared games, simple moments of enjoyment, and plenty of space for conversation, laughter, and relationship building.
We also took time for reflection: What is going well? Where are we in the process of change? How are we preparing for our upcoming time in Switzerland? The open feedback culture within the core team and the input from two guest speakers from the board of Estación Esperanza Peru were especially helpful.
Another highlight was an interactive game in a large park focusing on the values we had developed together months earlier. The goal was not only to know these values but to experience them in practice. In this way, we were able to internalize them anew as guiding principles for our work.
peranza takes second place
The Bernales Family – A New Chapter
After twelve years of living and working in Peru, a new chapter is beginning for our family. From Easter onward, we will be living in the Zurich Oberland. We are still searching for a long-term apartment. Our planning is also shaped by the fact that Mael will start kindergarten in Switzerland in August 2026.
The eldest of our three adopted daughters, Nancy (24), is in the final year of her psychology studies. Angie (18) is currently attending a Bible school (YWAM) in Colombia. We are in the process of obtaining a visa for Flor (16) so that she can move to Switzerland with us.
Although our center of life is changing, our hearts and commitment remain closely connected to Estación Esperanza. Carlos will continue to accompany the project as President of Estación Esperanza Peru. Miriam will take on and expand several responsibilities within the Swiss association and remain in close contact with the project in Peru. We also plan longer annual stays in Peru, especially during important construction and development phases, such as the continued building of the primary school.
We are deeply grateful for the great trust placed in us over the years and for everything that has been made possible through joint support. We are also thankful to help shape this new stage. Especially after the team retreat, we feel newly encouraged and strengthened by the dedicated local team and the new operational leadership of Natalia and Rodolfo. With confidence and gratitude, we look ahead to this new chapter and to how God continues His work through Estación Esperanza.
Brief Updates
Presidents in Peru change almost as often as the Swiss Federal Council president, alt- hough elections are officially only every four years. Seven presidents in nearly ten years. A few days ago, the interim president was removed. Due to this extreme instability, the political situation remains very tense.
Construction of our primary school is progressing well. As mentioned in the last newsletter, the school will not open this year. However, registrations for the three kindergarten classes starting in March are very encouraging. We currently expect about twice as many children as in 2025. This confirms the great need for good, af- fordable, and reliable education in our area and motivates us to continue on this path.
Prayer requests
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