Afraid to stay; scared to leave; excited to start over
“Despite everything, we have days of happiness. We are living in a country away from violence and with family. I can’t see another loved one killed. It’s a miracle we’re here, and we tell ourselves that every day.”—Sandra
For Sandra and her family, life in El Salvador was filled with terror. “Life was very complicated,” shared Sandra’s son-in-law, Moises. “Money was sparse. Getting ahead was really challenging, and when you did, they would take it away from you. Our days were very stressful and violent. We never knew if it would be safe when we left the house and if we would return home. It was dangerous to get basic needs—knowing if we went to the shops, we might die. To grow up like that was so hard, always living in fear.”
It was common for Sandra and her family to see friends taken away by delicuentes (gangsters) and wake up during the night to dogs barking, know that gunshots would follow, hide under the bed, pray, and know a neighbor was killed but not learn who until morning. The devastation continued for the family when Sandra saw her husband murdered on his way to work for being late with their rent. “It’s the hardest thing to lose someone who was so loved, and you miss so much,” shared Sandra. “It’s a pain you can’t recover from and trauma you cannot rise above . . . I can’t see another loved one lost to this [violence].”
“Maldad” was the word Moises repeatedly said while sharing the family’s story. Evil.
While the family was afraid to stay in El Salvador, they were also scared to leave their country. It’s daunting to think about starting over somewhere new, but 10 members of this brave family did just that thanks to the help of several organizations, including JFS.
When the family landed at Denver International Airport on a bitterly cold night this past February, their hearts were overflowing with love and gratitude being met by JFS staff and reunited with family who had resettled here earlier, including one of Sandra’s daughters. “I didn’t know if I would ever see her again,” said Sandra.
The family received food cards, housing assistance, help with documentation, and guidance acclimating to life in Colorado. “We are so thankful,” shared Sandra. “Words are lacking to be able to express all the joy I feel. We have wounds that will never heal and cannot be erased. Even though it feels safe here and we feel joy and happiness, we are traumatized. But, despite the pain, there is good.”
Moises said the adults are excited to work and get ahead. “In the past, we never thought we would have the opportunity to be here,” he said. “We’re happy that our children will grow up in a different environment and not be raised like we were with so much horror. They will have many more opportunities and a better future.”
While the family is adjusting to life in Colorado, they pray for the well-being of others still living in El Salvador—and they remain extraordinarily grateful for the help they have received.
“JFS has special people who really care; they truly love their work, and we feel it,” shared Sandra. “We can’t believe all the love we feel and the marvels we continue to receive. We are thankful for the people put on our path—everyone is so patient and kind. It’s a dream.”
Donating to our spring campaign can help families like Sandra’s escape the horrors they face and resettle while feeling safe in Colorado.