Come explore Central America and the Caribbean! From small towns and busy markets to colorful homes and outdoor games, days here are filled with family, friends and everyday adventures.
Some families face hard challenges, but neighbors help one another and hope keeps moving people forward. As you follow along, see what surprises you — and what reminds you of your own life.
Meet 9-year-old Milagro from Nicaragua. She’s your guide to life in her country and across her region, with a little help from some other cool kids!
Hola, my name is Milagro. I live with my mom and my dad in Santo Domingo. I go to the Creciendo en Esperanza (which means “Growing in Hope”) Compassion center, where I learn about God. I like reading the Bible and playing with my friends in my backyard.
Fast facts:
- Around 2 in 5 children in Central America and the Caribbean live in poverty.
- Families often live close to grandparents, cousins and relatives, and they help take care of one another.
- Families usually have two to three children.
Houses in My Region
Some families live in small houses with just one room for sleeping, eating and playing.
In El Salvador, Wendy and her three sons sleep side by side at night. Their dad passed away recently, and they miss him so much. Every morning, Wendy prays this Bible verse over her boys: “For I know the plans I have for you … plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV).
Celestina from Guatemala has decorated the walls of her family’s one-room home with posters and artwork she loves.
In Mexico, Zacarias lives with 16 family members! When Compassion staff saw how crowded their house was, they helped build the family another room and provided bunk beds so everyone could sleep safely.
Alejandra’s house is in the countryside in Mexico, and it looks totally different from Zacarias’ home in the city!
In El Salvador, Wendy and her three sons sleep side by side at night. Their dad passed away recently, and they miss him so much. Every morning, Wendy prays this Bible verse over her boys: “For I know the plans I have for you … plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV).
Celestina from Guatemala has decorated the walls of her family’s one-room home with posters and artwork she loves.
In Mexico, Zacarias lives with 16 family members! When Compassion staff saw how crowded their house was, they helped build the family another room and provided bunk beds so everyone could sleep safely.
Alejandra’s house is in the countryside in Mexico, and it looks totally different from Zacarias’ home in the city!
In El Salvador, Wendy and her three sons sleep side by side at night. Their dad passed away recently, and they miss him so much. Every morning, Wendy prays this Bible verse over her boys: “For I know the plans I have for you … plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV).
Celestina from Guatemala has decorated the walls of her family’s one-room home with posters and artwork she loves.
In Mexico, Zacarias lives with 16 family members! When Compassion staff saw how crowded their house was, they helped build the family another room and provided bunk beds so everyone could sleep safely.
Alejandra’s house is in the countryside in Mexico, and it looks totally different from Zacarias’ home in the city!
Fast facts:
- Homes in Central America and the Caribbean are often made from wood, concrete or brick and have a metal roof. Families use materials that are easy to find nearby.
- Some families live in small houses with just one to two rooms, so family members often share spaces.
- Not every home has running water. Some families must collect water from community taps or wells.
How I Get Around
In my community, I usually walk, ride my bike or travel in my family’s horse cart. My most favorite way of getting around is in my family’s cart with my horse, Panchito. I have had Panchito since he was a foal, and I always take care of him. He helps me go to the Compassion center, to school and to the town center to buy groceries!
In El Salvador, a bright red bus picks children up and takes them safely to the Compassion center.
In Honduras, Maydelin dreamed of owning a pink bicycle. When a special gift from her Compassion sponsors helped buy the bike, her dream came true!
In my community, I usually walk, ride my bike or travel in my family’s horse cart. My most favorite way of getting around is in my family’s cart with my horse, Panchito. I have had Panchito since he was a foal, and I always take care of him. He helps me go to the Compassion center, to school and to the town center to buy groceries!
In El Salvador, a bright red bus picks children up and takes them safely to the Compassion center.
In Honduras, Maydelin dreamed of owning a pink bicycle. When a special gift from her Compassion sponsors helped buy the bike, her dream came true!
In my community, I usually walk, ride my bike or travel in my family’s horse cart. My most favorite way of getting around is in my family’s cart with my horse, Panchito. I have had Panchito since he was a foal, and I always take care of him. He helps me go to the Compassion center, to school and to the town center to buy groceries!
In El Salvador, a bright red bus picks children up and takes them safely to the Compassion center.
In Honduras, Maydelin dreamed of owning a pink bicycle. When a special gift from her Compassion sponsors helped buy the bike, her dream came true!
Fast facts:
- Many children walk to school each day with their siblings or friends.
- Horses, mules and donkeys help carry things in mountains and the countryside.
- Small buses and minibuses are a common way for families to travel longer distances.
How I Play
I play with my friends at school, at the Compassion center and at home. I love playing in my backyard with some of my neighbors. We really like to play soccer and baseball! When I was a little younger, my mom and dad made a bat for me. Even if it’s small for me now, I still use it.
In Nicaragua, Estrella learned how to make piñatas at her Compassion center. Now she makes and sells her own colorful piñatas. Piñatas are loved across Central America. At parties, children take turns swinging a stick and trying to hit the piñata until candy and surprises spill out!
Soccer (known as futbol here) is the most popular sport in the region! Kids from all over love to play, including Gerson, Nathaly and Kelsey from Guatemala.
I play with my friends at school, at the Compassion center and at home. I love playing in my backyard with some of my neighbors. We really like to play soccer and baseball! When I was a little younger, my mom and dad made a bat for me. Even if it’s small for me now, I still use it.
In Nicaragua, Estrella learned how to make piñatas at her Compassion center. Now she makes and sells her own colorful piñatas. Piñatas are loved across Central America. At parties, children take turns swinging a stick and trying to hit the piñata until candy and surprises spill out!
Soccer (known as futbol here) is the most popular sport in the region! Kids from all over love to play, including Gerson, Nathaly and Kelsey from Guatemala.
I play with my friends at school, at the Compassion center and at home. I love playing in my backyard with some of my neighbors. We really like to play soccer and baseball! When I was a little younger, my mom and dad made a bat for me. Even if it’s small for me now, I still use it.
In Nicaragua, Estrella learned how to make piñatas at her Compassion center. Now she makes and sells her own colorful piñatas. Piñatas are loved across Central America. At parties, children take turns swinging a stick and trying to hit the piñata until candy and surprises spill out!
Soccer (known as futbol here) is the most popular sport in the region! Kids from all over love to play, including Gerson, Nathaly and Kelsey from Guatemala.
My Culture
My community is very special because it’s very safe, and I feel like I can go outside at any time without any problem. What I like the most about my community is when Christmas comes around and people decorate their houses and make nice food.
In Mexico, a girl’s 15th birthday is celebrated with a quinceañera, a special party that marks her growing up. Some Compassion centers help teens like Sayuri to celebrate if their family doesn’t have enough money.
In Guatemala, many mothers learn traditional weaving skills. They create and sell beautiful clothing to earn money to help care for their families. Rosario and her cute baby girl Elida are working on a special piece together.
My community is very special because it’s very safe, and I feel like I can go outside at any time without any problem. What I like the most about my community is when Christmas comes around and people decorate their houses and make nice food.
In Mexico, a girl’s 15th birthday is celebrated with a quinceañera, a special party that marks her growing up. Some Compassion centers help teens like Sayuri to celebrate if their family doesn’t have enough money.
In Guatemala, many mothers learn traditional weaving skills. They create and sell beautiful clothing to earn money to help care for their families. Rosario and her cute baby girl Elida are working on a special piece together.
My community is very special because it’s very safe, and I feel like I can go outside at any time without any problem. What I like the most about my community is when Christmas comes around and people decorate their houses and make nice food.
In Mexico, a girl’s 15th birthday is celebrated with a quinceañera, a special party that marks her growing up. Some Compassion centers help teens like Sayuri to celebrate if their family doesn’t have enough money.
In Guatemala, many mothers learn traditional weaving skills. They create and sell beautiful clothing to earn money to help care for their families. Rosario and her cute baby girl Elida are working on a special piece together.
Fast facts:
- In the Caribbean, people often enjoy music with drums and dancing, especially at festivals.
- Children often play soccer in streets, parks or open fields.
- Neighbors often know each other well and help one another.
My Favorite Food
My favorite food is fried chicken with French fries. There’s a little shop close to the grocery store in the center of town where I can buy it. I could eat that every single day!
In El Salvador, 9-year-old Vanessa loves pupusas — tasty corn tortillas stuffed with cheese, beans or meat and cooked on a hot griddle. Pupusas are El Salvador’s national dish!
In Haiti, Rose Mirline holds a plate of her favorite meal — rice cooked with beans and spices. Rice is one of the most common foods in Haiti and is often eaten as part of everyday meals.
My favorite food is fried chicken with French fries. There’s a little shop close to the grocery store in the center of town where I can buy it. I could eat that every single day!
In El Salvador, 9-year-old Vanessa loves pupusas — tasty corn tortillas stuffed with cheese, beans or meat and cooked on a hot griddle. Pupusas are El Salvador’s national dish!
In Haiti, Rose Mirline holds a plate of her favorite meal — rice cooked with beans and spices. Rice is one of the most common foods in Haiti and is often eaten as part of everyday meals.
My favorite food is fried chicken with French fries. There’s a little shop close to the grocery store in the center of town where I can buy it. I could eat that every single day!
In El Salvador, 9-year-old Vanessa loves pupusas — tasty corn tortillas stuffed with cheese, beans or meat and cooked on a hot griddle. Pupusas are El Salvador’s national dish!
In Haiti, Rose Mirline holds a plate of her favorite meal — rice cooked with beans and spices. Rice is one of the most common foods in Haiti and is often eaten as part of everyday meals.
Fast facts:
- Corn is a very important food. Many meals in Central America and the Caribbean include tortillas, tamales and other corn-based dishes.
- Rice and beans are everyday foods for families in the region.
- Tropical fruits grow nearby, like mangoes, bananas and pineapples. Yum!
Where We Buy Groceries
I live far from the town center, so I have to take a bus to the grocery store. Sometimes it takes about 30 or 40 minutes. Other times, though, we go in our cart! We prepare Panchito, my horse, get the cart ready, and make our way to the store.
Mareck from Nicaragua loves visiting the market. When he grows up, he dreams of becoming a chef like his mom.
I live far from the town center, so I have to take a bus to the grocery store. Sometimes it takes about 30 or 40 minutes. Other times, though, we go in our cart! We prepare Panchito, my horse, get the cart ready, and make our way to the store.
Mareck from Nicaragua loves visiting the market. When he grows up, he dreams of becoming a chef like his mom.
I live far from the town center, so I have to take a bus to the grocery store. Sometimes it takes about 30 or 40 minutes. Other times, though, we go in our cart! We prepare Panchito, my horse, get the cart ready, and make our way to the store.
Mareck from Nicaragua loves visiting the market. When he grows up, he dreams of becoming a chef like his mom.