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. This child lives on top of an old rubbish dump in Zone 5 of Guatemala City. It is an extremely dangerous area where criminals, prostitutes and drug addicts live. 

Hello, my name is Elias Gabriel Barillas Vasquez. I am four years old. I will turn five on November 30th this year. I was born in 2019. I would like to tell you about myself. I go to Pre-school, and I learn about letters, colors, and numbers. I love when we get to color at school. My favorite colors are blue and red. I love going out to play soccer and playing a board game called loteria. I also love playing with my toy cars. My favorite thing to eat is Pollo Campero. It is my favorite restaurant. They sell fried chicken, and it is so good. I have some problems with my speech, but my mom is trying to make me talk more and help me with my speech. My mom’s name is Yessenia Lili Vasquez Flores. She works as a salesperson of hardware. She helps to provide for our family with what she earns. My dad’s name is Wilber Jose Barillas Calel. He sells screws. I also have one brother and one sister.

We all go to church together at Lamb of God Evangelistic Church. We live in a nice house in Zone 5 of Guatemala City. We rent our house for Q2,500.00 per month, which is $326. My cousin also lives with us in the house. We have three rooms and a separate kitchen. The walls are made of cinderblock, and we have a concrete floor and a small terrace on the roof. My mom is the one who pays for the lights and the water bills so we can have these services in my house. We do not have any pets or livestock, but I want to tell you that I love dogs. I wish I could have one someday. We walk to the program each week. From our house it takes about 20 minutes to get there. I love going to the program and eating a delicious meal each week. We have been very blessed, but we still have our needs and lacks. One of our needs is groceries. We also have trouble covering other expenses like clothing, shoes, and a bookbag for school. Thankfully, God has never failed to provide and I know He never will. I have to say goodbye now, but I want to thank you for taking the time to read my information. I send you much love and a big hug. May God bless you and your family wherever you are. 

With much love, 

Elias Gabriel Barillas Vasquez

Translated by: Olivia Gallardo, Missionary Intern