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. 

Hello, and many blessings. I hope you are well. I am Kimberly Jocabed Arreaga Prado. It is a pleasure to be able to tell you about myself today. I am 8 years old. I will turn 9 on August 26. My favorite color is purple, and I love bunnies. I have a pet bunny, and I love him so much. I also love to play kitchen and coloring. My favorite thing to eat is pizza! I am in second grade now. I love going to the feeding program in Nueva Esperanza each week. We have to walk to get there, but it’s not too far. It usually takes about twenty minutes. I go with my sister, Lusdari Pamela Arreaga Prado. My dad’s name is Erick Alexander Arreaga Ríos. He and my mom separated a year ago. He works in construction and helps out when he can, but unfortunately, he does not make much. This affects me and my sister in our schooling and nutrition, because sometimes my parents don’t have enough money to cover those expenses. My mom’s name is Kimberly Pamela Prado Sicajá. She sells clothes second-hand for a living. We live in my grandmother’s house. There are three rooms, but we share one. The walls are made of conder block, and the roof is a tin roof. Everyone helps to pay for the lights and water. Our biggest need as a family is groceries and shoes. We are blessed in so many ways, and I pray you will be blessed too. I pray God will reward you for your love and service towards the people of Guatemala. Thank you for taking the time to read about me today. I send you many hugs and kisses.

With much love,

Kimberly Jocabed Arreaga Prado

Translated by: Olivia Gallardo, Missionary Intern / Antigua