Cinthia Bustamante Lopez
Cinthia grew up in a rural area. She was the top student in high school. Her father was a teacher in a rural school and her mother took care of her siblings. They could not afford to send Cinthia to university.
When we first interviewed Cinthia, she was exceptional from the start. She knew exactly what she wanted to do and how she would do it if given the chance. Cinthia related that she wanted to study law. Further, and much to our surprise, she also informed us that, if we gave her the opportunity to go to university, she would graduate at the top of her class and do so in 4 years (rather than the usual 5 or 6).
Cinthia got our attention.
We accepted Cinthia to live in Casa Nuevo Horizonte and enrolled her in a law program at the local university. These were some of the wisest decisions we ever made.
Cinthia shined from the get-go as a leader, team player, and the ultimate organizer of everything from a catechist program at a local church to fun fiestas in the house. She excelled in her studies, so much so that she double majored in law and political science. And just like Cinthia told us she would do, she graduated with in 4 years and with excelencia (the Bolivian version of summa cum laude).
Today, Cinthia is a true lawyer in that she takes on any case or matter given to her – including ones that KTF has brought her. She is one of the most thorough, patient, tenacious, respectful, and competent lawyers we have found in Bolivia. Clients come to her with crazy legal messes, and Cinthia resolves them all. There is no case she will not take on, and no length she will not go to to ensure that justice is accomplished.
And Cinthia never forgets KTF. She is always coming to the house to counsel new students in Casa and develop close relationships with them. She is everybody’s mentor.
Cinthia has children of her own now, and they too are regular fixtures at the home.
We are enormously proud to have Cinthia as a KTF graduate, a member of our family, and now as a dear friend and colleague.
“The Mission Keep the Faith represents a huge and beautiful miracle in my life. The members of Casa Nuevo Horizonte are like family to me. I learned so many valuable things during my time there that I still use in my life today. Because of Mission Keep the Faith, I was able to become a lawyer. With this profession, I am able to support my family and engage in work that enables me to be of service to others. Thank you, Mission Keep the Faith, for always keeping faith, hope and love with us!”
— Cinthia Bustamante Lopez