“My name is Paula, and I am 12 years old. I am in the sixth grade of elementary school.

I currently attend the “Iglesias Betel” (church) located in Mixco, (a city in south-central Guatemala).

I used to live with my mother and stepfather. He constantly abused me. As a result of the abuse, I became pregnant. At first, I was afraid of what my mum would say and how much damage it would do to her reputation, but fortunately I have only received her support and understanding.

At the beginning of this journey, it was hard for me to accept it. I did not feel prepared to suffer the physical changes. Also, one of the things that causes me the most panic is how to tell my baby about his father. When my neighbours found out, they started the corresponding legal proceedings, so the authorities could arrest my aggressor. Today, he is a fugitive from justice.

I am currently living with an aunt. I am the mother of a beautiful baby boy named Alexander who is two months old. I am grateful for the support from the Bible Society of Guatemala, for the lessons they have taught me, which has allowed me to see my baby as a gift and above all that he and I are not to blame for what happened.

The lesson that I liked the best showed me that it is important to forgive to move forward.

I had always deceived myself saying that I had already forgiven. The truth is that it is a long process which I face day by day, since the damage he caused in me was very big. Thanks to all of you who make it possible for me to get up day by day.”