Gudelia’s resurgence from the ashes

Maria Gudelia Perez Miranda is no stranger to adversity. Five years ago, she tragically lost her business and those most precious to her. It took an incredible amount of willpower to overcome what was the hardest period of her life.

Gudelia lives with her granddaughter in Lis Lis, a village located in the outskirts of La Ceiba. She currently runs a pulperia (corner store) business, sells merchandise imported from the city and tailors clothing for her community.

She joined Adelante in the early 2000s and took her first group loan of $181 while living in the department of Cortes. Adelante accompanied her as she moved to the city of San Pedro and then to Lis Lis. Her current individual loan stands at $1,042, used for purchasing products and improving her house.

For many years Gudelia‘s businesses did well, but on a tragic day five years ago, she suffered a road accident while transporting supplies with her oldest son.  He did not make it out alive and, unfortunately, more tragedy followed.

“All of a sudden, life hit me. I lost all of my merchandise and my son. The first accident was on February 8th, then on May 14th I lost my second son in a separate accident.”

That same year, her adopted child drowned in a river and daughter passed from a disease. Gudelia fell into depression and ceased all types of business activities.

“I was very depressed, I lost everything I had,” she explains. “I had a big shop and lived well. Then, all of a sudden, I was left with nothing. I got back up and sold everything I had, even my house. I sold it for a small amount.”

Determined to provide a better future for her remaining children and grandchildren, she picked herself up little by little. After receiving a land donation from a close friend, Gudelia renewed her business activities and took out loans with Adelante. A lifelong businesswoman, she rapidly picked herself up from the ashes.

“The pulperia is a tradition passed down by my grandmother. We have always had a pulperia… The knowledge helped me. I started stacking small things, little by little. Before I knew it, I had my small pulperia all over again.”

Today, Gudelia lives in a beautiful home she slowly built with the loans Adelante has provided her throughout the years. More than rebuilding her businesses, she has rebuilt her life and the hope of those she has taken under her arms. Today, she is a cornerstone of her community and, through the Adelante assemblies, a mentor for many young women who are forging their path as businesswomen.

“I thank the lord and the Adelante foundation because it has served me, it served us, and it continues to serve.”