Aid for the Gomez family: Hope for Asylum

Hola!

As many of you know the economic and political crisis in Venezuela have lead to hyperinflation, scarcity of basic goods, and a collapsed healthcare system resulting in extreme hardships for the Venezuelan population.

Last week, Leon and I were traveling back from a trip to Las Vegas, when we crossed paths with a family from Venezuela that had been traveling for a month to reach the United States. In our very broken Spanish (and with the help of Google translate :) we gathered that they had no shelter here in Salt Lake City and so we made the decision to offer up our guest room for the night.

As we continued talking, we then offered them a room in the basement of our place in Nephi, until they can hopefully move in with friends later this fall.

Since they cannot apply for a work permit for 150 days after they apply for asylum, it will be difficult for them to obtain the finances needed for legal help with the asylum process, school supplies for the children, etc.

Irving and Yelimar, the parents, have been helping around the house as well as at our Skydiving operation in Nephi as much as they can and we are currently working on enrolling the children in school.

Any donation, no matter the size will be greatly appreciated and needed to help our new friends succeed in making a better life for themselves here.

Below is their story as written in Yelimar's words with a bit of editing by us.

Much love,

Leon and Lena

Our Journey to a Better Life: The Gomez Lopez Family

Greetings to all, we are the Gomez Lopez family – a Venezuelan family in search of a brighter future for our children. Our family consists of Irving Gomez (Papa), Yelimar Lopez (Mom), and our three incredible children: Jhon Lopez, Antonela Gomez, and Aaron Gomez. Our journey has taken us through seven countries as we chase the American Dream.

Our adventure began on September 1, 2023, on the Colombian island of Acandí, a starting point for many on the path known as "the hell of migrants." From there, we made our way through Colombia, Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala, and Mexico, a journey marked by determination, faith, and love for our children.

Our initial challenges were daunting. In Acandí, we lost the money we had saved for the journey, leaving us with almost nothing. Miraculously, a kind-hearted stranger found our lost money and returned it, rekindling our hope to continue.

The true test began when we entered the Darien jungle. We traversed treacherous terrain, facing the horrors of the jungle, from the unfortunate souls we encountered to the spine-chilling roars of leopards. Despite the fear, we pressed on, rationing food for our children while enduring countless hardships.

After our ordeal in the jungle, we reached Bajo Chiquito, a small town. There, we awaited a boat that would take us to the UN in Panama, with its perilous river inhabited by crocodiles. A five-hour boat ride through pouring rain left us cold and soaked, yet our resolve remained unshaken.

Our journey continued with buses through Central America, complete with permits to ensure a smooth passage. In Guatemala, Yelimar fell seriously ill, and we found ourselves without money. We slept at a gas station and even humbly asked for assistance on the streets, a humbling experience, especially with our children by our side.

The struggle persisted as we ventured into Mexico, where we faced multiple deportations and limited funds. With the assistance of a compassionate stranger, we managed to reach Mexico City and board a train, navigating a perilous landscape.

The train journey brought a fresh set of challenges. Immigration authorities frequently intervened, sometimes forcefully. We had to jump on and off moving trains to avoid capture, leading to a nerve-wracking trek through the desert.

With the aid of kind-hearted strangers, we reached Piedras Negras at the U.S.-Mexico border. A sprint toward the river, pursued by the police, nearly ended in tragedy as Antonela was swept away by the strong current. We finally surrendered to U.S. immigration authorities after an exhausting journey.

Upon arriving in San Antonio, Texas, we embarked on the next leg of our journey, thanks to new friends who offered their support. They provided us with tickets to Utah, where we would start a new chapter of our lives.

Our story takes a heartwarming turn when we met Leon and Lena, who extended their help. With their assistance, the Gomez Lopez family found hope as they began building their new life in Utah. Our journey is far from over, but the strength, perseverance, and love that brought us this far will undoubtedly help us achieve our American dream.

Your support can make a profound impact on our family's journey toward a brighter future. Join us in empowering the Gomez Lopez family as they continue to strive for a better life. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your generosity and compassion.