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 have the opportunity to greet you. My name is Maryuri Marisol Barillas Tunay. I am 10 years old and my birth date is April 4, 2015. I am a fourth-grade student. I enjoy spending time playing with my dolls. My favorite color is purple. The animal that I like the most is the turtle. I love to eat spaghetti. I am in good health. I live with my parents and my three siblings. My father’s name is Franklin Dionicio Barillas Garcia; he works on his own as a lawyer helper. My mother is Tania Paola Barillas Tunay, and she supports our family by working as a domestic employee. My family attend a Christian church called Bethania.

I live in a rented house. It is made of block walls, tin sheet roof, ceramic floor, running water and electricity. My father pays rent Q 1800.00 quetzals ($ 240.00) monthly. I would like to ask for your prayers as my mom is pregnant and she will soon give birth. Please pray for God to bless her and provide everything she and the baby need. My house is a 10-minute walk from the feeding program. I would like to thank you for taking the time to read my information.

With much love!

Maryuri Marisol Barillas Tunay

Translated by: Lucia Gravez/AAC Secretary