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. 

Hello, my name is Jimena Lucia Esperanza Pérez Lemus. I am 8 years old, and I am so excited to tell you a little bit about myself today. I hope you enjoy reading my information. I was born on August 16, 2016. I am in second grade now, and I love to color, draw, and play with dolls. My favorite color is purple, and my favorite animal is a cat. I don’t have any pet cats, but I do have six chickens at home. My favorite food is roasted chicken. I also love going to the feeding program each week. I live near the program in Nueva Esperanza. It takes us about 15 minutes to walk there. I am very thankful that I am healthy. I want to tell you a little bit about my family now. My dad’s name is Rony Amilcar Pérez Ramos. He drives a tuc tuc for a living. Tuc tucs are one of the types of taxis you can use in Guatemala. My dad does not live with us, because he separated from us in the beginning of the pandemic, but he does still support us, and he pays for our rent and some of our needs. It is hard for him, though, because he does not work every day anymore, so sometimes he does not make enough money to provide what we need. My mom’s name is Zoila Esperanza Lemos Amador. She is a cleaning lady. I also have two brothers. We live in a small room together that we rent from a neighbor for 1,200 quetzales, or about $160 per month. The house is made of concrete and cinder block. Our biggest need as a family is groceries. We know that God always makes a way to provide what we need. I have to say goodbye now, but I want to thank you for taking the time to read about me. I send you much love and many blessings.

Hugs and kisses,

Jimena Lucia Esperanza Pérez Lemus

Translated by: Olivia Gallardo, Missionary Intern / Antigua