US
Our North Star
Los Ángeles started when my great-grandmother had a hotel called Los Ángeles. In the back, she kept a kind of open “room” where anyone who was hungry could come and eat. Nobody was ever turned away. She helped however she could, in this, and many other ways. There are countless stories written and told about her kindness. I grew up listening to endless tales of how Doña Narcy de Pérez was a life force of generosity and love.
Then came my grandparents, Jaime and Maricela Pérez. Since I was little, I’ve seen them help whoever they could. Their big hearts have always been a leading example in my life. They’ve shown me time and time again that sharing is the very reason we came to this earth.
When Mar de Conciencia spoke to me and asked to be brought to life, its purpose—from the very beginning—was simple: to guide people live healthier, happier lives. I always knew this purpose wasn’t meant to stay only within the lives of our clients and team.
This is me, in a way, carrying forward the love and legacy that defined them.
This is me honoring the people and the culture thats makes Guatemala one of the most special places in the world. The Mayan culture is deeply rooted in kindness and love—they care for their neighbors and their community as they care for themselves. It’s as if they don’t see separation at all. That, to me, is a beautiful way of living—one we could all strive to embody.
Andrea Lorenzo
Our project is simple: all the funds go directly towards purchasing food for the families in need within our target group. These families span all age groups and come from a variety of life situations.
We also aim to offer free workshops at the Mayan Medical Center in San Marcos, covering a range of valuable skills and subjects.
Our project has minimal administrative costs, with the exception of Bartolo’s salary. This means that everything goes directly toward purchasing food for the families. As we grow, so will our reach.
We are fortunate to work alongside one of the kindest gardeners in San Marcos, Bartolo Cristiano Sipac Qu. He is local and speaks Kaqchikel, the native Mayan language. His mission is to identify the families with the greatest need, organize the food purchases, and coordinate the on-site deliveries.
Bartolo buys the food from a nearby store, supporting both the families and the local business in the process.
In order to connect with the families in our project, we met with each one individually. They are all beautiful souls with great spirits and inspiring stories.
We are excited to introduce you to them and hope you enjoy getting to know them as much as we have.
If you feel called to support this project, please get in touch with us.
Melanie and Juana Quiacain Pozul
Melanie and her mother, Juana, are a devoted mother-daughter duo. Melanie is nine years old and was born with her left leg slightly longer and a minor hip misalignment, causing her to walk with her toe pointed outward. Despite this, she is a joyful, healthy child who attends school daily, bringing immense pride to Juana.
Juana, a stay-at-home mother, relies on her husband’s inconsistent income from hourly jobs. The family shares a single room and a bed, facing daily hardships with unwavering strength. Their love and determination shine through, as they find joy in each other’s company and face life’s challenges together.
Rosario Sancoy Olari
At 89, Rosario endures severe knee pain from years of carrying heavy wood, leaving her unable to walk. The wear on her knees has confined her to her cozy kitchen, where she spends her days, her kitchen has magnificent views of the volcanoes in the distance. Though she battles frequent headaches, her spirit remains kind and loving.
Rosario raised two daughters and two sons, who live nearby with their families, she shares a single room with her son Vitalino, who lovingly cares for her. Vitalino, a campesino, works tirelessly in the fields, though his income is unsteady. Together, they face life’s challenges with resilience, finding comfort in their close bond and humble home.
Jose and Olga
Jose, 34, and Olga, 28, are a vibrant young couple raising two sons: Elion, 12, and Liam, 6. Elion shares a bedroom with his uncle next door, while Liam sleeps on a two-story bunk bed Jose crafted with his budding carpentry skills. The family lives modestly, their home filled with love and resilience.
Jose, a carpenter-in-training, takes on small, unsteady jobs to provide for the family. Olga, who hasn’t worked since leaving her restaurant job a year ago due to conflicts with the kitchen staff, now cares for the boys and their home. Despite these challenges, Jose’s optimism shines. Raised by his grandfather and uncle, he learned to work hard from a young age—first tending land, then cleaning rooms at a chalet. Mature and honest, Jose believes in doing things right, guided by his faith and a deep sense of cause and effect. His infectious positivity reflects the strength of his character, inspiring those around him
Mariquita and Heyler
Mariquita, a vibrant 28-year-old single mother, is raising her lively six-year-old son, with love and determination. She works twice a week helping clean a house and spending the rest of her time at a Mayan health center, where she supports community wellness. Bright, funny, and sharp, Mariquita’s infectious spirit uplifts those around her as she strives for a better future for herself and Jeyler.
One of five siblings, Mariquita lives on her mother’s property alongside her sisters, mother, and nephews. Though grateful for her family, she dreams of renting a small place of her own, where she and Jeyler can build an independent life. Her hard work and optimism light the way toward that goal.
Maria Pozul
Maria, an 89-year-old woman, struggles with gastritis and persistent body aches, leaving her frequently unwell. Her daughters, Berta, 49, and Lucia, 67, support her by providing food to ensure she eats.
The three share a single bed, despite an empty room nearby. They would greatly benefit from an extra mattress, allowing Maria to have her own bed for comfort and rest.
Maria Mejia.
Maria is 59 years old and a mother of five. She doesn’t work or speak Spanish. She is diabetic and takes natural medicine from the Mayan Health Center, which helps manage her condition.
Her children take care of her and bring her vegetables so she has something to eat. Her daughter Lesley, 29, lives with her and helps whenever she’s not working as a nanny—though her work isn’t consistent.
María Sipakni Iakai
Maria is 59 years old. She doesn’t work and doesn’t speak Spanish. Her husband passed away, and her son is unable to support her. She can’t find a job—she used to work as a cleaner—and says that some days she has food to eat, and some days she doesn’t.
She cooks with flowers and herbs she gathers from nearby fields.
Super Eli Store
This is the store we get our groceries from—it’s right around the corner from where most of the homes in our community are. This makes things easier for Bartolo, since he doesn’t have to carry the food very far for delivery.
The store has been around for 32 years. It was first opened by Drusilas and Estrella’s father, who helped provide jobs for his children by handing the business over to them. They’ve all taken care of it over the years.
Now it’s Estrella’s turn. She’s the youngest of five, 17 years old, and incredibly business-savvy. Her sister Estrella (25) helps out at the store from time to time—she has a young son and also knits huipiles to sell in town.
