My Story

Nueva Esperanza, which means New Hope, is located in a slum area of Guatemala City, Guatemala. An extremely poor area, our program is squeezed in among the shanty dwellings built over an old city dump. Many houses in this area are without toilets or running water and are assembled with scrap wood, sheet metal, and cardboard. Zone 5, where Nueva Esperanza is located, is considered one of the most dangerous areas of Guatemala City. It is controlled by gangs and drug pushers. Robberies and murders are common in this area. Public education is available - however, many cannot afford it. Life in Zone 5 is very difficult. 

Hello! I feel so glad to write through this letter telling a little about my life. My name is Marilyn Ariana Velasquez Cabrera. I will be turning 8 years old on November 17. I am attending 1^st grade at school. The things that I like the most to do in my spare time are: playing dolls, painting and drawing. I like pink and my favorite animal is the cat. I love to eat pizza. I am a healthy child. About my family: my father is Edy Wilfredo Vasquez Orozco, and he earns a living working stocking products on shelves in a minimarket. My mother is Marta Concepcion Cabrera Alvarez. I would like to ask for your prayers for her because eight months ago, she decided to abandon us. At the moment, we know nothing about her. I am under the care of my aunt while my father goes out to work. Our greatest need for now is a bed. My family does not go to any church.

Thanks to God, we live in our own house made of block walls, tin sheet roof and concrete floor with running water and electricity. There are two rooms with a separate kitchen. My father pays for the services. I walk about 10 minutes to come the feeding program. Thank you so much for reading my letter.

With much love,

Marilyn Ariana Velasquez Cabrera

Translated by: Lucia Gravez/AAC Secretary