My Story

PENDING PHOTO 2022

Hello! I send you many greetings and I hope you are in good health. I want to tell you a little about me. My name is Ashly Abigail Gomez Benito, and I am an 18-year-old girl. I am in my first year of my professional career to be a preschool teacher. However, because of my medical affliction, I am not sure if I will pass this year since I have not been able to attend my classes. In my free time, I normally stay in bed recovering. I hope to be back in the feeding program soon because I miss the delicious meals and seeing my friends.

Both of my biological parents live with me. My father works as a farmer to support us economically. My mother is a hardworking housewife and has a business at home where she sells typical Guatemalan blouses to help us economically. I have 3 siblings: 3 brothers. I am joyful to say that most of us are healthy and that God has taken care of us. However, I really need prayer. I have a malignant cancerous germ cell tumor. Recently, I had a surgery to remove the tumor and am recovering. Additionally, we do not have the financial resources to cover all of these costs. We spend time as a family by enjoying a snack together. During Christmastime, we prepare tamales and fruit punch for a special dinner together. Also, we attend a Catholic church which takes us 10 minutes to get to. My parents are leaders in this church. We were sad when the church closed due to the pandemic, but we always trusted in God. I live in a town called Zacualpa, and it takes me 15 minutes to walk to the feeding center. My humble house has walls made of bricks, the roof is made of concrete, and the floor is made of cement and granite. There are three rooms and a separate kitchen. We have running water and electricity at home. The house belongs to my family. Thankfully, the house is in good condition. Our family’s finances were affected by COVID-19 because sometimes there was no work available and we were not earning income, but God has always been faithful to us and we have continued forward. Our greatest needs are medicine for my sister, medical exams, travel expenses, and groceries. I end my letter wishing you the best.

The Living Waters Evangelism Team is speaking to families in Quiche by phone call. They spoke to my mother to receive information pertaining to me.

Many blessings,

Ashly Abigail Gomez Benito

Translated by: Kalyan Marroquin / Missionary Intern