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 am glad to greet you in the name of Jesus and be able to tell you a little about me. I am Devora Eunice Gomez Hernandez. I was born on February 25, 2016. I am 9 years old. I am a third-grade student. The things that I like the most to do are painting, drawing and playing dolls. My favorite color is purple and I love hedgehogs. I like to eat pizza. I am a healthy child, and so is my family. Sadly, my father passed away about six years ago. Now, my mother is the only one who struggles to support our family by working as a domestic employee and she also takes care of an elderly woman. She is Midia Emilia Hernandez Dionicio. I have one sister and one brother. My family attends a Christian church called Adulam.

We live in our own house made of block, tin sheet roof and concrete floor with running water and electricity. We have two rooms, but we use one to sleep in and another as a kitchen. My mother pays for our home services. I would like to ask for your prayers for God's protection because it is very dangerous where we live. Our greatest need for now is a closet. I walk about ten minutes from home to the feeding program. Thank you for taking the time to read my letter. 

With much love,

Devora Eunice Gomez Hernandez

Translated by: Lucia Gravez/AAC Secretary