Nine Years of Service, Friendship, and Hope

When María Consuelo Ajuchan, known as Coni, joined International Esperanza Project® through her husband, Fredi Sipac, she could not have imagined how much the experience would shape her life.

Nine years later, as IEP’s Community Development Coordinator, she looks back on the relationships, lessons, and moments that have made this work deeply personal.

For Coni, serving communities begins with recognizing the value of every person. Over the years, she has built friendships in villages across Guatemala and with people from other countries who share a desire to help. She describes learning to give and receive hugs, to approach her work with an open heart, and to recognize that everyone has something meaningful to offer.

One experience that strengthened her commitment was attending an IEP Gala in Dallas. Seeing supporters give so generously brought a new understanding of the trust behind every donation. She returned to Guatemala with an even stronger determination to help identify families honestly and responsibly, ensuring that support reached people who needed it.

Other memories remind her why that responsibility matters. One evening, around 9:00 p.m., people from Cobán arrived at her home seeking help with their health. They had traveled for hours through the rain, using plastic sheeting to stay covered. Moved by their journey, Coni called her colleague Keshy, and they shared an emotional moment that remains with her today.

Alongside these experiences are memories of laughter, challenges, and learning with her team. Coni is grateful for the colleagues who have trusted her, encouraged her growth, and taught her to find solutions while caring for those around her.

Her story is also a reminder that the impact of service reaches the people doing the work. Through IEP, Coni has found meaningful employment, lasting friendships, and a purpose that continues to give her strength.

For nine years, she has helped bring hope to others while finding it in her own life.