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.  

Hi, my name is Wesley Alessandro Meléndez Martinez. I am a 12-year-old boy, and I live in Zone 5 of Guatemala City. I am so happy to be able to tell you a little bit about myself today. I was born on March 7, 2013. I live with my mom and dad and my two siblings. I have one brother and one sister. My dad’s name is Christopher Alexander Meléndez Chiroy. He paints houses and makes money to support our family. My mom also works to help support us. Her name is Zully Marleny Martinez Morales. She is an ecommerce assistant. We all live together in a humble home. We are a very close family, and we love to spend time together. My house is in a nice neighborhood with a lot of trees. There is a field nearby where I love to go out and play. We have two bedrooms and a little kitchen. The walls are made of cement block, and the roof is a tin roof. We also have ceramic tile floors. My mom and dad pay the lights and water and other essential expenses for our wellbeing. At home we have two pets: one turtle and a dog. I love dogs. They are my favorite animal. As a family we would love to be able to get a stove for our kitchen. I want to tell you some more about myself now. I am in the sixth grade now. I love going to school but I love when I have free time, because I can play soccer or draw, which are my favorite things to do. My favorite food is creamy chicken, and my favorite color is blue. I love being able to go to the Nueva Esperanza feeding program each week. It is a 15-minute walk from my house. I thank God that I am healthy, and I thank God for Living Water and all that they do. I have to say goodbye now, but I want to thank you for taking the time to read my information. I hope you will keep me in mind. I am praying that God will bless you and move your heart to help support a child like me here in Guatemala. I send much love and big hugs. 

Blessings,  

Wesley Alessandro Meléndez Martinez 

 Translated by: Olivia Gallardo, Missionary Intern / Antigua