Mia* is a 16-year-old girl with a natural gift for leadership and a heart to serve others. But before she arrived at Kids Alive Guatemala, her life was full of instability, abandonment, and deep loneliness. She was abused by her father, abandoned by her parents, and later placed in the care of relatives where she again suffered additional violations of her rights, including sexual violence. Seeking safety, she left to find help, but each new environment brought fresh uncertainty. The instability in her care made it difficult for her to trust others or feel truly secure, leaving her guarded and unsure of who she could depend on.
When Mia entered the care of Kids Alive Guatemala (Oasis) through a referral from Guatemalan Child Protective Services, she was still learning how to believe in stability, how to hope, and how to heal. Her greatest struggle was loneliness, a quiet ache that often resurfaced at night, reminding her that she had no family to call her own. Yet even amid the pain, she showed determination and courage, refusing to give up on her dreams or her faith.
At Oasis, the staff began walking with Mia through a holistic healing process focused on restoring her sense of self-worth, helping her regulate emotions, and guiding her toward independence. Through therapy, consistent mentorship, and education, she began to rediscover her strength and purpose. Her teachers describe her as diligent and dependable, and though she remains cautious when opening up to others, her resilience continues to grow.
Spiritually, Mia’s growth has been profound. With support from her psychologist and the spiritual formation coordinator, she developed her own daily devotional rhythm that includes moments each day to praise, give thanks, intercede for others, and listen to God through His Word. This personal practice has become her anchor and shapes the way she leads and serves.
Today, Mia is part of the devotional leadership team at Oasis, serving alongside nine other girls to plan and lead weekly gatherings. She has led worship, shared her testimony, and even delivered her first sermon. These moments reveal not only her growing confidence but also the depth of her compassion and faith.
Though loneliness once felt like her defining struggle, Mia now describes feeling accompanied by her mentors, her community, and by God Himself. Each time she leads a devotional, she experiences His closeness in a way that strengthens her belief that her life has meaning and purpose.
Mia dreams of becoming a doctor one day, using her gifts to help children in need. It is a dream that reflects the same compassion and courage that have shaped her healing journey.
Because of your partnership, Mia’s story is being rewritten from loneliness to leadership. She is living proof that healing and hope can flourish when children are surrounded by love, guidance, and faith.
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