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Doris Gonzalez was celebrating her 7th birthday the day her mother was struck by a car and killed. Too poor to raise her alone, Doris' grandparents gave her over to the courts to be adopted out.
She was immediately placed with a single woman who intended to adopt her, but when it was determined that the woman was abusing her physically, the courts moved Doris to a missionary-run children's home. She thrived in this children's home until she reached the age of 18. Doris longed for family ties however, so when she reached legal age she voluntarily left the children's home and returned to the village from whence she originated.
Happily, she found her grandmother who was overjoyed to welcome Doris back into her life, but unfortunately this dear woman's financial condition had not improved since she had given Doris up 11 years previously. Suddenly Doris found herself faced with the dubious task of trying to support herself. Having cut short her educational opportunities and lacking practical and life skills left Doris ill prepared for "real life". It was at this juncture that the Lord brought her to Emmanuel's Heart. Doris participated in our scholarship program for a year. In her studies of tourism, she was able to visit many popular sites in Guatemala.
Doris is still living with her family and enjoying those family bonds. She is assisting her family financially and by caring for her grandmother. Please continue to pray for her as she sometimes struggles with her past.