Spread 4-5 Ten-year-old Alessandra says goodbye to the rippling waters of Lake Petén Itzá, in Guatemala. She tries to remember her mother, who left four years ago, hugging her close before she went. Her mother promised to send for her as soon as there was money. "I'm coming to meet you, Mamá," Alessandra says softly as she walks away from the water's edge. Spread 6-7 Laura is thirteen and wants to go to school. Nando is seven and likes trains. They wish they could stay in El Salvador, but their parents want them to live with their aunt and uncle in the United States. "I don't want to leave," Nando says through his tears. "I'll be with you, Nando," Laura replies. "We can be strong together." Spread 10-11 Rodrigo and Alessandra meet in El Ceibo as they are about to cross into Mexico. "Saqarik," she says. "Good morning. Are you going to America?" "Hello," Rodrigo answers. "I am. You, too?" This girl with the colorful dress reminds Rodrigo of his sister. Alessandra can sense that this mop-haired boy with the tattered shoes is a good person. Spread 12-13 Halfway across the Suchiate River, Laura slips on the edge of the raft and tumbles into the rushing water. "Laura!" Nando screams, reaching for her fingertips. "Don't leave me!" A stranger lifts her back into the boat, and Nando hugs her tight. They finally make it to dry land, exhausted. They are now in Mexico. Excerpted from A Journey Toward Hope by Victor Hinojosa, Coert Voorhees All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.
