The Zapata Family Story

When seven-year-old Catalina joined the EA community earlier this year, she was struggling with speech, reading, schoolwork, and even mealtimes. As our community began supporting her, both of her parents became actively involved. Although Junior and Carolina are separated, they share a desire to care well for their children and have consistently participated in the wrap- around support EA offers their family.

Little by little, they are seeing progress.

Today, Catalina is eating much more normally. She recognizes letters and is beginning to read and write. She is especially excited that she can now read simple words, and she continues receiving speech therapy. Her growing confidence and motivation have been beautiful to see.

The changes are reaching beyond Catalina. Junior and Carolina have begun intentionally making time together with their children, often sharing dinner as a family. Their 11-year-old son, Sebastean, especially loves these times. Carolina says she has seen significant changes in her children at school, at home, and in their relationships with both parents. She also recognizes changes in the way she relates to Junior and to her children.

Junior sees the difference, too. He recently attended our gathering for the men of EA, expecting it to be simply another talk. Instead, the teaching and testimonies led him to reflect deeply on his relationship with God and his role as a father. He now says he wants to draw closer to God so he can guide his children with love, strong values, and a good example.

There is still much ahead for this family, but today we are grateful for what we can already see: a little girl discovering that she can learn, parents choosing to be present for their children, and a father becoming more open to God.