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! My name is Nehemias Mahanain Cruz Aguilar. I was born on October 28, 2016 so I am 7 years old now. This year, I am attending the 2^nd grade at school. In my spare time, I enjoy playing toy cars, coloring my drawings, watching TV and playing with my cousins. I love the color blue and my favorite animal is the dog. I like to eat chicken stew. I am a healthy boy. My mother is Aura Marina Aguilar Ic, , and she makes an effort to support our family working as a street vendor selling second-hand clothing. My father is Hervi Estuardo Cruz Hernandez, but he has not lived with us for many years. He does not keep in touch with us, but he sends a little money once in a while to cover some expenses. He works as a street vendor too. My sister, Danna, is also part of the feeding program. My mother and sister are in good health. My family attends a Christian church called “Camino de Salvacion”.

I live in my mother´s house, and we share it with my older sister and her family. There are two rooms, a separate kitchen, running water and electricity. The house is made of block, tin sheet roof and dirt floor. My mother and sister pay our services. We have a pet. I would like to ask for your prayers that God will give us the opportunity to finish building our house. I walk about 10 minutes from home to the feeding program. Thank you for taking the time to read my letter and I hope you like it. 

Warm regards,

Nehemias Mahanain Cruz Aguilar

Translated by: Lucia Gravez/AAC Secretary