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.

My full name is Liam Damian Gonzales Ortiz, and I fondly greet you in Jesus’ name. I hope you find my story engaging. I was born on December 26, 2019. I am a healthy 5-year-old boy. I am in pre-kinder. My favorite pastimes are playing soccer, watching TV, and drawing. I love eating spaghetti with meat. My favorite color is green. Wild animals are awesome, but my favorite one is the bear. I live with my mother, brother, and grandmother. I have only one brother who is the oldest. My mother’s name is Jennifer Pilar Ortiz Quinteros. She works hard for a textile factory by promoting and selling products. She is a single parent and does her best to support our family. About my biological father, let me tell you that he abandoned us many years ago. However, he recognized me legally. His name is William Fernando Gonzales Solares. My family and I attend a nearby Christian Church called Rivers of Faith. Fortunately, we live in our own house and my mother is the legal owner. It is made of concrete blocks with a metal sheet roof and a ceramic floor. It has three rooms, a separate kitchen, electricity, and running water. We live close to the feeding program. I usually walk for five minutes to get there. This is all for now, but I kindly ask you to pray for my family and our well-being. In advance, thank you so much!

Sincerely yours,

Liam Damian Gonzales Ortiz

Translated by: Hillary Popol, AAC Secretary / Antigua Guatemala