Kea Hampton

“Jesus said that when we extend grace and aid to one in need, we are extending it to Jesus. That scripture resonates the mission that Jesus has for us. Honduras is rich in opportunities to serve Jesus because there are so many in need.”

In 1982, Kea had her first mission experience in Honduras. It was an eye-opening, heart-wrenching, and life-altering experience. The people of Honduras were so grateful for everything they had, and they had so very little. Poverty and hunger were the norm.

Despite the socioeconomic differences, Kea knew she had received far more than she had given in Honduras and was determined to return. God had placed Honduras on her heart.  

Kea graduated from Harding University in 1982 with a master’s degree in social work. She married Bobby Hampton in 1983, began a career as a counselor, and started to grow her family. During this time, God paved the path to lead Kea back to Honduras.

In 2001, Kea returned to Honduras as a chaperone for her church youth group. She met Janet Hines and Lori Connell and was soon introduced to Mi Esperanza there.  

Kea is one of the founding board members and has been managing Mi Esperanza’s online store for almost 20 years. Every package includes a lady’s signature as a reminder that each piece is handcrafted by a Mi Esperanza graduate who has excelled in her craft. 

Now that Mi Esperanza is 20 years old, the Mi Esperanza family sees generational change as women can feed, clothe, house, and educate their children. Mi Esperanza is making a difference by empowering the second generation.

Bobby and Kea reside in Hot Springs, Arkansas, and are parents to five children, ten grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.