Maria from Peru

A Teenager Overcomes Violence and Abandonment

Sixteen-year-old Maria* travelled from Guatemala to live in Peru. Her father was murdered. Her mother abandoned her. She suffered abuse that left scars both on her body and soul. Maria attempted to take her own life – twice. She survived by God’s grace.

That same grace led her to Kids Alive Peru. Maria began to heal through intensive therapies at a local Kids Alive home. She rediscovered her love of drawing and enrolled in a computer science course. She rose above her turbulent past and strengthened her relationship with the Lord. Maria aspires to be a lawyer, determined to defend those who cannot protect themselves.

*Name changed to protect privacy