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     Imagine being seven years old and living in a very dangerous part of Guatemala City where your mother works as a prostitute because it’s the only way she can make money. You don’t really understand what your mother does, but you know she seems ashamed and sad. This was Lourdes’ scary and lonely life on the streets, and it didn’t seem possible that things could change. Then, her mother heard about Los Romeritos and took her to the safe haven close to where she worked. Lourdes loved the caring, secure environment. She laughed and felt like a child for the first time in her life. Her mother started to change also. Her confidence grew as Jaime and the other workers treated her with respect. Lourdes’ mother was encouraged to join in the making of piñatas, a program offered at Los Romeritos. Both she and Lourdes became very skilled, which eventually led to them starting a home business in a safer part of the city.

     Fast forward 7 years…you should see Lourdes now! She’s 14 and the years of care, nourishment, and education have made her into a mature, fun loving adolescent with a ready smile. She was the oldest of 10 girls who participated in the 2007 Intercultural Exchange, and she gladly led a workshop to teach the others the art of piñata making. Lauren, an exchange volunteer and amiga of Los Romeritos, marveled at Lourdes’ confidence and pride. Lourdes asked Lauren to take a photo of her teaching piñata making, her pride of accomplishment obvious.

     Lourdes has flourished under the watchful and caring eye of Jaime whom she loves like the father she has never had. His focus on encouraging children’s creativity has led both Lourdes and her mother to a self- supporting activity in which they take great pride. And Lourdes now dares to dream of continuing on the path of learning and creative expression. She plans to become an excellent seamstress to broaden her skills and ability to earn money. Here’s to that little girl who once felt so scared and lonely. We’re behind you all the way!!
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