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! I feel so happy to be part of the feeding program and be able to write this letter. This is Fatima Sarai Cabrera Chen. I was born on March 18, 2013. I am 12 years old. I am a sixth-grade student. My favorite colors are pink and purple. I love cats and dogs. The food that I like the most is a hamburger. Thanks to God, I am in good health and so is my family. About my family: First, I would like to tell you that, sadly, my father died about three years ago. due to a heart attack. I would like to ask for your prayers because it has not been easy to live without him. My mother is Lesbia Edy Chen Cortez, and she struggles to support our family by taking care of an elderly couple. I have one brother and two sisters. My family attends the Catholic church called “Santo Cura de Arce”.

We live in our own house made of block, concrete roof and floor. We have electricity but not running water; we get it from a public tap. There are three rooms but we use only one of them and a separate kitchen. My mother pays for the services We have one dog at home. Our greatest need is a closet.  I walk about ten minutes from home to the feeding program. Thank you so much for reading my letter.

Yours very truly,

Fatima Sarai Cabrera Chen

Translated by: Lucia Gravez/AAC Secretary