PERU – Marllory lives in the outskirts of Iquitos, known as the capital of the Peruvian Amazon. Surrounded by rainforest, this area in northeastern Peru is also known for its extreme poverty. In this difficult environment, Marllory has her work cut out for her. The 29-year-old single mother cares for her four sons: Daniel (10), Ezequiel (7), Sandro (4), and Mateo (1). Since their father abandoned them, Marllory has struggled alone.
Each day meant desperately trying to keep their heads above water. With such young children, Marllory has had limited options. For years, she’s been selling empanadas and other food items at a stand outside her home. She also does laundry for others whenever she can—anything to put food on the table.
“I have four sons,” she explained, “and I want to give them a good future. I would like them to turn into good, professional men. That’s why I must work every day to get the meals my children need.”
It hasn’t been easy. Due to a lack of supplies, she hasn’t been able to keep her business running. Some days, that means she can feed her sons only a single meal—two at most. Occasionally, she’s had to resort to borrowing from her neighbor to make sure her growing boys get the nutrition they need.
In addition, Marllory worried about the decrepit condition of their home. The walls were moldy and rotting, and the roof had holes in it. Whenever there was a heavy storm, her children would get scared. Not only was the house unsafe, but it had no bathroom inside. Without the financial resources to fix up her house, Marllory knew it would be impossible to get the necessary repairs made.
Improving Their Lives In Iquitos
Then, with your help, Operation Blessing came alongside this family in Iquitos to provide the support they needed. Thanks to generous donors like you, we were able to build a new house with two bedrooms, a bathroom, living room, a dining room, and even all the furnishings they needed!
But that’s not all your generosity made possible. Marllory also received supplies for her food and empanada business, which will assure her enough income to provide better nutrition for her children. Best of all, her new business is attached to her home so she can care for her children.
“I am very grateful to everyone,” Marllory said. “I thank God in the first place–and the Operation Blessing staff who considered me to be able to receive this great blessing and support.”
