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.

It is a beautiful day to say hello to you and introduce myself! This is Maria Fernanda Jimena Lopez Polo. My birthday is May 24, 2019, and I will turn 7 years old this May. I live with my parents and one sister. About my health, let me tell you that I suffer from an allergy because of the dramatic weather changes. When I was 3 years old, I was sick with bronchitis and I was hospitalized for a time. Thank God, I am doing well now. Fortunately, we all are in good health and give thanks to the Lord for our lives. I have an older sister who is special needs; she is 15 years old and does not talk or walk. My father has agreed to support my sister even though she is not his daughter. Joel Armando Lopez Macz is my father. He works in a warehouse and he provides for our needs. Ada Noemi Polo Molina is my mother. She works as a cashier in a supermarket and helps my father with the expenses. I am grateful to God because my parents support each other to take our family ahead.

Now, I will share with you a little about me. I am in first grade this year. I love playing with my dolls and a game called loteria, and coloring when I am at home. The animal I like the most is the turtle, in fact, I have one as a pet. My favorite color is lilac. I love eating fried chicken and fries. We live in a rented house; the monthly payment is Q1,500.00, $200.00, and my parents pay for it. There are two rooms made of block with a tin sheet roof and a cement floor. The kitchen is in one of the rooms. We have running water and electricity and my parents pay for them at the end of the month. My family and I are attending the Justice Trees Christian Church. I am so blessed to be enrolled in the feeding program; I just walk 10 minutes to arrive. That is all for now, but feel free to ask for more information about me. May our Lord bless you wherever you are!

Lots of love,

Maria Fernanda Jimena Lopez Polo

Translated by: Violeta Hernandez / A-A-C Secretary-Antigua Guatemala