Alex's Story
When I was little, my siblings and I lived in Chichicastenango, a town a few hours away from Antigua. My dad and my mom had problems in their relationship, and they got separated. My mom brought us here to Antigua, Guatemala. I was ten years old, and I started shining shoes in the streets of Antigua. My mom started selling food in Central Park. I was able to help her with the little bit of money I was earning. Around that time, I met a man who wanted to help me with my schooling. Before moving to Antigua, I had gone to first and second grade, so this man wanted to help me finish elementary school. It was a great opportunity.
But being in the streets took its toll on me. While working in the streets I found bad friends and started going down a bad path. The man who was supporting me found out and stopping helping me.
Back then, I really wanted to learn how to play soccer. I only knew some basic formations, but had never played on a real team. Then, I met Estuardo. He trained all of the shoe shiners and even registered us to play in a soccer tournament in La Polvora (a soccer field behind the market in Antigua). Playing in La Polvora is one of my favorite memories.
At that time, I wasn’t planning to continue studying, but Estuardo asked me if I wanted to get back into school and I decided to get started with middle school. The first year of Chispas of Change, there were only four students. Now I’m in my third year at Chispas of Change, I am in my last year of middle school, and there are 14 students!
What I like the most about Chispas of Change is spending time with my classmates. We play fun games every morning before starting classes, and I also enjoy playing soccer on PE days. I like teasing my friends during recess, and I like reading the Bible in small group time. Now, we are in a crisis because of the coronavirus. School has been out for a month! I miss playing soccer, spending time with my classmates, sharing about the Bible with other people, and joking around with my friends.
I have learned so much in Chispas. I learned that I have a Father who has been with me in the good times and the bad. Ever since I first moved to Antigua and started shining shoes when I was 10 years old, I was never alone. My Father was always with me and cared for me and his name is Jesus. I can talk to him anywhere at anytime and he will always listen because he is everywhere, always listening to us through the Holy Spirit.
Ten years from now, I would like to be a good person who helps other people just like so many people have helped me through the years. I also hope to have graduated from college and to have a job. Above all, I hope to be following God’s path, teaching his Word to others.
Thank you Chispas of Change and all of the people who have supported me over the years.
May God bless you!
