My Story

Hello dear padrinos! It is so great to send you greetings through this short update. I hope you are doing well along with your family. This is your sponsored child, Juana Griselda Riz Toj. It has been another great year. I am 18 years old now, and I thank God that I am in good health. As you know I am a young single mother. My baby girl, Kimberly Micaela, is two years old now, and she is healthy. She is growing so fast. Being a young single mom has been one of the most impactful and challenging experiences in my life, but God has always been with me, and He is the one who helped me to be strong and keep moving forward. I work as a seamstress. I weave typical linens and sheets of fabric so I can make money to provide for me and my baby. Thankfully I also get help from my mom and my stepfather. I live with them in their house along with my four siblings. My stepfather, José Simaj, works as a construction worker. He and my mom buy food and provide clothes for me and my baby. Our biggest needs are groceries, corn, and diapers for my baby. The diapers get very expensive, because we have to buy them constantly, so it has been a challenge to afford them.

I spend a lot of my time at my house taking care of my daughter and working on my weaves, so I don’t get out a lot to meet friends. I don’t really have anybody to talk to or hang out with, but I don’t have a lot of time to spend with other people. I thank God for my life and for the life of my baby and my whole family. We don’t go to church, but I know Jesus as my Savior and Provider. I was encouraged by the Living Water teacher to find a good church to attend and to seek the Lord each day. I know He has always been with me and He loves me so much. I thank you for taking the time to read my information today. I send much love to you and your loved ones. You are so special to me, and I thank you for always loving me and praying for me. May God bless you abundantly today and always.

With much love,

Juana Griselda Riz Toj

Translated by: Olivia Gallardo / Missionary Intern