From Prayers to Possibilities: Shaila’s Journey of Faith and Transformation

At Cadaniño, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to flourish academically, spiritually, and personally, regardless of the challenges of their environment. Our afterschool programs exist to walk alongside vulnerable children and their families, offering the support, training, and care they need to break cycles of poverty and discover their God-given potential.

I want to share with you the journey of Shaila, a Cadaniño student, and the impact being accepted into our program has had, not just on her life, but the lives of those around her.

Here is her story in her own words:

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"I would like to share a bit about my story. My name is Shaila Daniela Estrada Mejía.  I'm 17 years old.  I'm in my final year of high school studying graphic design.  My family is made up of my two parents and my two little siblings. Before I entered Cadaniño, I was a very shy girl. At school, I had a few friends, but some people made fun of me, commenting on my appearance, and they even hit me at times. I didn't tell anyone because I was afraid, I felt like no one could help me, so I just kept going. But deep down, it made me feel insecure about myself.

My family has always been close. Yes, there have been difficulties, but with God's help, we've faced them together as a family. I admire my dad a lot because he always gives me advice. He's a very strong person, and he always looks out for what's best for our family. When I was about to start my third year of high school, my dad had been out of work for two and a half years. It was a difficult time because we had to go without many things. There were problems and hardships, but it was a process that taught me to be more grateful. Even if our food wasn't the best, there was always something to eat. But during that time, not having certain things made me value everything even more.

As I got older and school got harder, I needed to write more papers, and I needed to use a computer and know how to type to accomplish my work. But I had never had the opportunity to take a computer course. I didn't even know how to turn on a computer. I knew a course was something I needed. Sometimes I cried because my classmates would finish their work, and I couldn't. It was hard. I talked to my mom about needing a computer class, and I remembered my cousins told me about a ministry where they were learning computer skills. So, the next day, my mom and I went to knock on the doors of the Cadaniño Foundation. We were greeted by the coordinator, Professor Eduardo. We entered the office, and my mom and I explained our situation.

Honestly, I didn't have a speech prepared. I just told myself I would be honest and speak from the heart. I told Professor Eduardo that I wanted to learn and that I knew it was important for my education. I told him I was a good girl, that I would make the most of the opportunity and be dedicated, because I knew I really needed this. I remember that he told me that because of my courage and determination, my sister and I would be accepted. I was so happy, I'd been praying for a chance like that for a long time.

I was nervous at first because it was a new place with new people, and I didn't know what to expect. I remember when I had my first computer class, I started using a program called Mavis, where we learn how to type properly. I pushed myself to move ahead quickly through the lessons. I quickly advanced, moving onto the Introduction to Computers course, progressing as fast as I could.

Some people told me I wouldn't be able to move up levels so soon, that it usually takes about a year. But I didn't get discouraged because I knew what I wanted and believed I could do it if I worked hard. I remember thinking, "Well, it costs nothing to dream!" I believed that if I worked hard, I could achieve my goals. I remember that about two months before the graduation ceremony, at the end of the school year, we were told that the foundation donates two computers to students every year. I told my mom, "You'll see. They're going to give me one," she just laughed, but she didn't discourage me. One day, I told my dad, and he encouraged me, he said that if I had faith, God could give it to me. He even told me that he had dreamed I would receive a computer. And I believed him.

The day of the graduation came and we were all excited. I was happy because I had never been to a Cadaniño graduation before. Sharing time with my classmates and teachers, even doing the rehearsals, was so much fun. I remember so clearly that when it was time to give out the computers, I got nervous and started to make myself be realistic, thinking maybe they were right and I wouldn't get one. I felt a bit discouraged. Then the teacher who was the master of ceremonies said, "Please come to the front, Shalia Estrada." When she said my name, I couldn't believe it. I was so stunned it took a while to react. I just sat there with a smile on my face, frozen from the shock. A classmate beside me had to nudge me and say, "It's you! Go up there!"

So I went up, and when I received the computer, I can't even explain the joy I felt. In my mind, I was thanking God because He had heard my prayer. He had listened to the petition I had been making for so long. The computer has helped me so much with my homework and enabled me to help my cousins with their schooling. But what makes me the happiest is that now my little sister can do her homework on a computer and not go through what I went through. Receiving this gift of a computer has marked my life in a powerful way.

I want to thank God first for helping me, as well as the teachers. Each one of them has been so kind to me and to all of the children. I also want to thank those who listen to us and make us feel special .I want to thank all the churches and people who support the Cadaniño Foundation. Thank you so much. May God bless you all."

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Shaila’s story is a powerful example of why Cadaniño exists. From a timid young girl burdened by hardship and discouragement to a confident student equipped with purpose and potential, her journey reflects the very heart of our mission: to stand in the gap for vulnerable children and provide the physical, personal and spiritual support, guidance and opportunity they need to thrive.

Today, Shaila has graduated from high school and is studying at a technical school in the mornings. She serves as an assistant Bible teacher at Cadaniño in the afternoons, investing in the lives of other students just as others once invested in hers. As a member of our Youth Missions Club, she teaches Bible classes in her community, sharing the love of Christ and the knowledge she's gained. With a heart set on becoming a teacher, Shaila is a living testimony of transformation, resilience, and the power of hope. Her life is a blessing to others and a beautiful reminder of the difference Cadaniño makes, one child and one family at a time.

Sincerely,

Timothy Martiny

President, Cadaniño

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