Each morning at the "Oasis" Center in San Lucas, Guatemala, Aurora Patricia Margarita Robles Santa Cruz begins her day with prayer. “First, I pray to God that everything goes well,” she says. Soon, she gets to work cleaning up the classrooms, offices, and communal areas. She greets others along the way—the girls being cared for, the staff, and the visitors. They all know her by a different name: Tía (Auntie) Paty.
Her role in janitorial and facilities upkeep might sound routine, but her heart for the ministry goes far beyond daily tasks. For the past three years, Tía Paty has become a familiar and comforting presence in the lives of the girls at Oasis. In the afternoons, several girls join her—helping clean, organize, and work alongside her.
“It’s really my favorite part of the day,” she shares. “We get to talk. They tell me how they’ve been doing in school, and if they have any doubts, they ask questions. I learn a lot from them, and they learn a lot from me.”
Walking Beside the Girls
At Oasis, the girls are in a restoration process after experiencing trauma or abuse, learning to rebuild trust and confidence. Working alongside Tía Paty offers them an opportunity to practice teamwork, responsibility, and communication—all in a safe and encouraging space.
Through her gentle presence, Tía Paty has seen the girls change little by little. “When they come in at first, they are often serious girls, girls who don’t talk, very isolated,” she explains. “But as time goes by, they change. They talk more with you, sometimes they even like to joke around.” Over time, she’s noticed them become “more expressive, more sincere.” She adds, “Sometimes, from a great distance, they might see me and start to yell, ‘Tía Paty!’”
Finding Purpose Through Service
Her workdays aren’t always simple. “Sometimes other things are added, and it’s a little bit more complicated,” Tía Paty explains. “But thanks be to God, we have managed, we have succeeded, and they are day-to-day challenges that I like to finish.” Through it all, her gratitude and faith remain constant. “It is a blessing to be here,” she says. “My life here has changed a lot thanks to God, even my way of thinking."
A Heart That Reflects Christ
Tía Paty’s story is one of quiet strength and perseverance. As a single mother of three, she balances her responsibilities at home and at Oasis with grace and joy. Weekends are often spent playing board games with her children, reading the Bible together, and listening to music as they clean the house as a team.
Her faith shapes every part of her life—at work, in motherhood, and in service. To anyone interested in serving in ministry, she offers this advice: “Come prepared both mentally and emotionally, because many times here we find difficult situations that we may not expect,” she says. “We have to know how to face them and try to give guidance, good advice, or support.”
Living Out “Justice that Heals. Bonds that Mend.”
Through her daily acts of care and love, Tía Paty embodies Kids Alive’s mission. She's helping to create a foundation of stability and trust for the girls at Oasis—a space where healing and faith take center stage for so many young girls.
She puts it best: “God brought me here for a reason.”
Thank You!
Your generosity makes it possible for dedicated staff like Tía Paty to serve faithfully at Kids Alive sites around the world. Thank you for supporting those who bring steady care, Christlike compassion, and the bonds that mend to children and families in need of hope.
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