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.

I greet you on this wonderful day and I hope you are doing well! I am so happy to be able to tell you a little bit about myself and my family. My full name is Josabeth Sarai Rojas Arias. My birthday is August 12, 2019. I am now 6 years old. I live with my mom and three brothers. I am so blessed because my family and I are in good health. Nelly Marissel Arias Alvarez is my mother. She works as an auxiliary assistant in a fast-food restaurant. She is struggling to provide for all our needs since my father is not at home. She is working extra hours to earn more income. Gerson Daniel Rojas Barrios is my father. Unfortunately, he went to prison a month ago due to a misunderstanding. We are praying that this situation can be cleared up and my father can return home very soon. My mom has looked for legal help for my father. My father used to work as a messenger.

I am in kindergarten this year. When I am at home, I enjoy playing with my dolls and making a house. I also like to play a game called loteria. I have two favorite colors, pink and purple. I love animals, especially dogs and cats. My favorite meal is pasta and tomato sauce. At the moment, we are not attending any church. We are living in a rented room and the monthly payment is Q720.00 = $96.00. It is a concrete block room and a cement floor. There is running water and electricity; my mom pays for them when she pays the rent. We have a female dog as a pet. For now, our greatest needs are groceries and shoes. I am very grateful for the opportunity to be enrolled in the feeding program. I walk about 20 minutes to arrive. I want to thank you so much for reading about me today. May our Lord bless you!

Warm hugs,

Josabeth Sarai Rojas Arias

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