As part of our commitment to providing a holistic approach to caring for the people we serve, we have partnered with trained Guatemalan professionals to offer services in our sponsored villages. This team will continue to grow, and this page will be updated as our team expands.

Partners in Guatemala

Nurse Alicia Sisimit Gomez

A woman and two boys pose together inside a building with orange walls and stacked chairs. The woman is standing behind the boys, smiling slightly. The boy on the left is wearing a pink shirt, a colorful beanie, and an arm cast with holiday designs. The boy on the right is wearing a gray sweater with construction vehicle graphics and looks a bit somber.

  • I am 39 years old and have dedicated the last 10 years of my life to serving as a nurse at the Sanatorium la Promesa (Promise Hospital) in the town of Patzicia. My journey in medicine began in 2008 when I graduated from the nursing assistant program at Galileo University in Chimaltenango. In 2025, I had the honor of receiving my university degree as a technician in clinical laboratory science.

    I live in Patzicia with my husband of 17 years and our three sons—who are now 6, 10, and 15 years old.

    As a native Mayan, my first language is Kaqchiquel with my second language being Spanish. This is so important to my work because it allows me to relate deeply to the people I serve. Many of our elderly patients only speak our native tongue, and being able to communicate with them in their own language brings them a sense of peace and understanding during their medical care.

    For several years, I have worked alongside Awakening Hope and AMF, visiting families in their villages and building relationships. Whether I am providing wellness checks, distributing basic medicines, or helping a patient navigate a referral to a hospital or clinic for more serious care, I am there to be their advocate. I also love supporting our medical clinics and missionary teams during their visits.

    My experience with Awakening Hope has been so much more than a job; it has been an enriching journey full of blessings, both for my own life and for the families we serve together.

  • Tengo 39 años y he dedicado los últimos 10 años de mi vida a servir como enfermera en el Sanatorio La Promesa en la localidad de Patzicía. Mi camino en la medicina comenzó en el año 2008, cuando me gradué del programa de auxiliar de enfermería de la Universidad Galileo en Chimaltenango. En el 2025, tuve el orgullo de obtener mi título universitario como técnica en laboratorio clínico.

    Vivo en Patzicía con mi esposo, con quien llevo 17 años de matrimonio, y nuestros tres hijos, que ahora tienen 6, 10 y 15 años.

    Como indígena Maya, mi lengua materna es el Kaqchiquel y mi segundo idioma es el español. Esto es fundamental para mi trabajo porque me permite relacionarme profundamente con las personas a las que sirvo. Muchos de nuestros pacientes de la tercera edad solo hablan nuestro idioma nativo, y el poder comunicarme con ellos en su propia lengua les brinda una sensación de paz y comprensión durante su atención médica.

    Durante varios años, he trabajado junto a Awakening Hope y AMF, visitando familias en sus aldeas y construyendo relaciones. Ya sea realizando chequeos de bienestar, distribuyendo medicamentos básicos o ayudando a un paciente con una referencia a un hospital o clínica para atención más compleja, estoy allí para ser su defensora. También me encanta apoyar a las jornadas médicas y a los equipos misioneros durante sus visitas.

    Mi experiencia con Awakening Hope ha sido mucho más que un trabajo; ha sido un camino enriquecedor y lleno de bendiciones, tanto para mi vida como para las familias que servimos juntos.

Víctor Manuel Ventura Santizo

A healthcare professional giving a thumbs-up gesture next to a woman lying on a medical chair, with her eyes closed. The healthcare worker is wearing blue scrubs, purple gloves, a face mask, and glasses. The woman is covered with a colorful, patterned blanket.

  • Dentist trained at the University of San Carlos, Guatemala. Married and father-to-be. I began working with Awakening Hope in 2023 and have been moved by the love that the team has shown the people of the village. At first, we were only able to perform evaluations and extractions for the children, but over the years we have been able to expand the services we can offer! It is very gratifying for me to be a part of each mission trip and to be able to use my skills to help others. Thank you to everyone who has made this work here in Guatemala possible.

  • Dentista de la Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala. Casado y próximamente padre. Empecé a trabajar con Awakening Hope desde 2023 y quedé impresionado con el amor que el equipo tiene hacia las personas de la aldea, en ese entonces solo podíamos hacer evaluaciones y extracciones a los niños, pero a lo largo de los años hemos podido extender los servicios que podemos ofrecer a la gente! Es muy gratificante para mí el poder estar en cada viaje de misión y poder entregar mi talento para ayudar a otros y gracias a todos los que hacen posible este trabajo aquí en Guatemala.

Sandra Lisela De León Bonilla

Two women sitting and talking inside a room with pink walls and green patterned floor tiles. One woman, wearing glasses and a pink jacket, gestures with her hands. The other woman, with dark hair tied back with a pink scrunchie, listens attentively.

  • I am a music teacher; I work for an organization that gives music lessons to children as part of our after-school program. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Clinical Psychology, and I am pursuing a Master’s degree in Criminology with a focus on forensic psychology. I am currently serving with Awakening Hope and Asociación Mission Firefly giving support and Chrstian-based counseling to families and individuals who need it. My experience serving with Awakening Hope and Asociación Mission Firefly has been very rewarding and full of blessings as I care for the families of the different communities where God has opened doors to serve.

  • Soy maestra de música, trabajo para uno organización dando clases de música a chicos que son parte del refuerzo escolar de dicha organización. Tengo un Pensum cerrado de licenciatura en psicología clínica, y estoy cursando una maestría en criminología con enfoque psicológico forense. Actualmente estoy sirviendo con Awakening Hope y Asociación Mission Firefly dando apoyo y terapias psicológicas a familias y personas individuales que lo necesitan. Mi experiencia sirviendo con Awakening Hope y Asociación Mission Firefly ha sido bastante grata y llena de bendiciones cuidando a las familias de las diferentes comunidades donde Dios ha abierto puertas para servir.