In a quiet, rural village where the days begin before sunrise and end long after dark, 12-year-old Jorge lives with his parents and three siblings. Life for Jorge is defined by hard work and perseverance. His parents, Juan and Juana, spend their days chopping through the earth in search of gold — work that is grueling and unpredictable, paying the equivalent of just a few dollars a day.
While his parents labor in the fields, Jorge and his siblings fetch water from a communal well that is over half a mile away. His older sister prepares meals, if there’s food to cook. “Sometimes we don’t have dinner and go to bed with an empty stomach,” Jorge said. “It hurts.”
Despite the challenges, Jorge finds joy in school, where math is his favorite subject, and in soccer games played with friends after class. He especially looks forward to Sundays, when his entire family attends church — a rare moment when they can all spend time together.
But hunger is a constant shadow. On the days when there’s no work, there’s no pay. And no pay means no food. “I feel sad because I’m not old enough to work and help my family,” he said. “I pray to God that my parents have jobs and that we can get through this.”
Thanks to Convoy of Hope and the faithful work of local church partners, Jorge’s prayers are being answered. He now receives a nutritious meal each day at the church. “The food helps me focus at school, play with my friends, and not feel weak anymore. I even feel like I’ve gained weight.”
Jorge especially loves the soy rice served by the church volunteers. “It’s delicious. I never get bored of eating it,” he said.
Jorge dreams of becoming an industrial engineer so he can provide for his family and ensure they never go hungry again. “Please continue supporting us,” he asks. “There are many children like me who don’t have food and feel hungry.”
Because of your support, Jorge has hope — and so do many children like him. One plate of food at a time, lives are transformed.
