Friday, November 7, marked what would have been my daughter Raquel’s birthday. She would have turned 27. We celebrate her birthday every year by eating at Dairy Queen, watching funny old videos of her, and now… by hosting a Celebration of Hope at our School of Living Hope in Pakistan.

It’s been ten years since I lost her to brain cancer—and not a day goes by that I don’t think of her smile, her light, and the incredible hope she carried through even her hardest days. Seven years ago, out of the pain of that loss, I started something that would carry her legacy forward: a school in Pakistan for Christian children, named the School of Living Hope.

The children attending our school would still be:

1. On the streets today
2. Going into hard labor early in their lives
3. Facing early marriage (for the girls especially)
   
   Each year, this little school continues to grow, to shine, and to bring literacy and hope to children and their families. This year, on Raquel’s birthday, our students and staff held something truly special: a Celebration of Hope in her honor.

✨ Hope Day: A Tribute to Raquel’s Life and Message

The event was more than just a school assembly—it was a moving reminder of what Raquel stood for: kindness, courage, faith, and above all, hope. The whole day was filled with warmth, remembrance, and inspiration, as students used music, drama, prayer, and performance to celebrate the light that one life can bring into the world. What got to me most was that the girl who played Raquel’s part in a skit portraying her friends continuing service work in her honor, shared the same birthday as Raquel, November 7. This brings tears to my eyes even now. 🥲

Here’s a glimpse from our school director, into the program:

1. Opening Prayer – Veronica from Class 8 opened the celebration with a sweet prayer, grounding us in gratitude and peace.
2. Bible Recitation – Miss Simran read verses of comfort and guidance, reminding us of God’s presence in all circumstances.
3. School Choir Performance – The choir sang “Tere Kalam Nu Sun Ke Sakoon Mil Da Hai,” filling the space with reverence and calm.
4. Introduction to Raquel’s Life – Miss Adeela shared a short reflection on Raquel’s life—her gentle nature, strength through suffering, and the legacy of joy and hope she left behind.
5. Tableau on Peace – Young students from performed a sweet and symbolic piece on unity and harmony.
6. Drama on Raquel’s Life – Older students reenacted scenes from Raquel’s life, portraying her resilience, her love for others, and her faith even through illness.
7. Song of Faith – The school sang a song echoing the spirit of perseverance and devotion.
8. Tableau on Helping and Sharing – Another thoughtful performance encouraged generosity, kindness, and being a light to others—just like Raquel was.
9. Speech on Hope Day – Sir Irfan delivered a powerful message about the meaning of Hope Day, encouraging everyone to keep walking in faith, even when life is hard.
10. Cake-Cutting Ceremony – In one of the most touching moments, the student portraying Raquel—who, by what felt like a divine coincidence, was also born on November 7—cut the cake, reminding us that Raquel’s legacy lives on in the most beautiful ways.
11. Closing Prayer – The event ended with a prayer, sending everyone back into the world filled with peace and purpose.

💛 A Mission That Lives On

When I started this school, it was with one hope: that out of the tragedy of losing Raquel, we could create something that would bring life. I wanted children who had little or no access to education to have a place where they could dream again. A place where their minds could grow, their spirits could soar, and their hearts could be filled with hope.

The Celebration of Hope this year was a living, breathing answer to that prayer.

To see children who never met Raquel carry her message forward, to hear songs sung in her honor, to watch them act out her story and be inspired by her courage—it reminded me that love does not end. Hope does not die. It multiplies. ❤️

And somehow, on that day, when a young girl born on the same day as Raquel stood on stage to represent her life, it felt like heaven was whispering: “She’s still here. And she’s still changing lives.” 🥹

Why We’ll Celebrate Every Year

Marking November 7 as “Raquel Day” at the School of Living Hope does more than keep her memory alive. It teaches our children to value their education and to see that their opportunity is a gift born from love, loss, and unwavering hope. When students understand this, they sit a little taller, try a little harder, and dream a little bigger.

“Raquel’s life reminds us that courage can spark a movement—and that education is the language of hope.” —Jenni

What This Tradition Teaches Our Students

• Gratitude: Every lesson and pencil has a story behind it.
• Resilience: Even from deep pain, something beautiful can grow.
• Responsibility: Their success honors the sacrifices that made their school possible.
• Community: They are loved—by their teachers, by supporters around the world, and by a family who believes in them.

Join Us in the Legacy

If Raquel’s story moves you, help us continue this tradition of hope:

• Sponsor a student’s school fees in Uganda or Pakistan so a child doesn’t have to miss school or repeat the same grade.
• Support our teachers and classrooms at the School of Living Hope.
• Choose our nonprofit on Walmart’s Spark Good Round Up so your everyday shopping fuels a child’s future.

Thank you for standing with us as we remember Raquel each year. Her life continues to open classroom doors, light up young faces, and seed futures full of possibility. Happy Birthday, Raquel. Your legacy is learning, and it lives on in every child who dares to dream. 💛

Thank you to everyone who supports our mission. You are part of Raquel’s legacy. You are part of this living hope.

With all my heart,
Jenni Wilson
Founder, School of Living Hope
In loving memory of Raquel 💕