When Monica’s parents made the difficult decision to send their daughter to Valley of the Angels, they hoped she would receive a good education, be safe, and have opportunities they could not provide at home. It was a sacrifice made out of love—one that would change the course of her life.
Leaving her family was not easy. Everything was unfamiliar, from the daily routines to the rules and responsibilities of living away from home. Although the transition was difficult, Monica gradually realized that each challenge was helping her become a more responsible, confident, and compassionate young woman.
“At first, everything was very difficult, but looking back, I can see that every challenge helped me become the person I am today.”
A second family
Over time, Valley of the Angels became much more than a school.
Living alongside students from different communities introduced Monica to new friendships and experiences. Together they celebrated successes, learned from mistakes, and supported one another through life’s challenges. Those relationships gave her confidence and a sense of belonging.
She also remembers teachers who genuinely cared about their students. They encouraged her to dream bigger, believe in herself, and make good decisions that would shape her future.
Preparing for the future
Education at Valley of the Angels extends beyond textbooks.
Alongside her academic studies, Monica developed practical life skills while discovering a love of learning. She especially enjoyed mathematics and embraced the opportunity to study English, believing it would open new doors in the future.
Just as importantly, she learned responsibility, perseverance, and the confidence to make thoughtful decisions.
“Valley of the Angels prepared me not only for a career, but for life.”
Growing in faith
Throughout her years at Valley of the Angels, Monica’s faith became an important part of her life.
She learned about Christian values and virtues while participating in Mass and praying the Rosary. Those experiences strengthened her relationship with God and helped shape the person she is today. For Monica, Valley of the Angels became a place where she discovered purpose, deepened her faith, and gained the confidence to pursue her dreams.
Looking toward the future
As Monica reflects on her years at Valley of the Angels, she often wonders what her life might have been like had her parents never made the difficult decision to send her there.
She believes she might never have discovered the opportunities that have shaped the person she has become. Instead, Valley of the Angels gave her the education, practical skills, values, and faith to build a brighter future.
Today, Monica carries with her the lessons she learned, the friendships she formed, and the confidence she gained. She is deeply grateful for her parents’ sacrifice, the Franciscan community that welcomed her, and the supporters whose generosity made her journey possible.
Thank you for changing lives
Every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and build a brighter future.
Through your generosity, children like Monica receive far more than an education. They find a safe place to grow, caring mentors who believe in them, and the opportunity to build lives filled with hope and purpose.
Thank you for helping the Franciscan brothers continue giving children like Monica the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.
About Valley of the Angels
Valley of the Angels orphanage in Guatemala is one of the missions supported by Franciscan Mission Associates.
Founded in 1993, the mission was originally established to educate and care for abandoned children. Over time, it has expanded to serve all children in need. Today, Valley provides housing, meals, and education to more than 200 children.
In addition to formal schooling, students participate in programs that support their academic, spiritual, and personal development. Through the continued work of the Franciscan friars and the generosity of supporters, Valley of the Angels remains a place where young people are given the opportunity to build stable and hopeful futures.
