This story comes directly from a parent who has received Kandelia’s support. She asked us to share her experience moving from El Salvador to Seattle.

A Mother’s Story of Finding Light in Seattle

I want to share with you the story of my life in El Salvador. I am a mother of two children, with a stable job, that my whole family depended on. I never imagined that one day I would have to leave my country, much less be separated from my family.

However, I lived in an environment filled with violence, and the most painful thing was when people tried to kill my son. That was the moment that made me make the hardest decision of my life: to separate from my family and move to the United States.

Moving to another country is not easy, especially when you risk your life, especially that of your child, in the hope of finding a better future. My journey began by leaving El Salvador and crossing all of Guatemala and Mexico, where we walked for hours and hours through the desert. Then we crossed the river to get to the United States. Not only was there physical suffering, but at many points during this journey we had no food or water, and the conditions in the vehicles were unbearable, not being able to breathe properly due to the cramped space.

In 2012, we arrived in Los Angeles, California. A cousin welcomed me, but a week later I was told I had to leave. I didn’t know what to do or where to go. Then, a friend of my sister’s met us in Seattle, where we started over.

When we arrived here, I was told that my son could not study because he did not have documents. But, thanks to the good people I met – whom today I call my angels – my son was able to start studying at SWS (Seattle World School). It was there that I really understood that there are organizations and people who support immigrants and refugees, and who provide great help to young people and their families.

I am deeply grateful to God and my angels for giving us a new opportunity. Although I am not with my whole family, I have found an adoptive family here, which makes me feel safe and at home.

Today I can say that I am a woman, a mother, a friend and a support for all those who, like me, had to leave their country of origin and be separated from their loved ones. I trust that God will hear my story and that more people will join me to become the angels that so many immigrant and refugee families need.

Thank you and I hope more people will join in donating to Kandelia so we can give light to more people in need.