For over 35 years my Catholic parish, Visitation in Kansas City, MO, has had a sister parish relationship with a parish in El Salvador called Santa Maria Madre de Los Pobres. This community, called La Chacra, is one of the most challenged communities within San Salvador, the capital of El Salvador.  I have personally been involved for more than a decade, along with so many others, helping the families of La Chacra face incredible challenges from drugs, crime and gangs, to lack of economic opportunity, and families divided across borders trying to support themselves.  Over the years we have walked side by side and learned so much from each other in the togetherness.  

Perpetually present are the smiles on the children's faces, the joy in the parents' eyes, and their desire to work hard toward a better future.

La Chica de La Chacra grew up from the love we receive and the love we share with the children of this community and with the children of all countries facing devastating challenges with hope and love.

Alaia and her family share the beauty in themselves, in different families, and in their community.

This bilingual book is great for families learning Spanish and/or English and for preschool children up to second grade learning a new language.

All of the background images are pictures of the La Chacra community in El Salvador. 
 
The profits from this book will go to help the children of La Chacra.