My desk and phone gallery are full of their photos. They are my greatest motivation, the heart of my life, and my deepest longing. I hold onto the hope that one day, we will all be together again in a sunny, welcoming Madrid.
Working in the social sector has been a significant change for me, transitioning from being a bank executive to working on social projects. But it was a challenge I took on with great enthusiasm. The ability to contribute to helping others is incredibly rewarding, and the support I receive from the team at Acción Social Protestante reassures me that I am in the right place.
Finding work in Spain was not easy, though. Arriving in a country where no one knows you, where your legal status is uncertain, and where opportunities feel so out of reach… it can just be overwhelming. But I persevered, used my time wisely, pursued training, and worked hard to regularise my situation.
From the moment we arrived, my husband found work to support us. He went from being a judge in Venezuela to assembling furniture in Madrid overnight. But he never let this break him—he took full responsibility for our family, never complained, and always supported us. Thanks to his strength and the love within our family, I was able to get back on my feet quickly. I started by volunteering at Diaconía, then took courses to become a social worker and finally, an accountant. My prior knowledge and experience in economics and finance helped me grow rapidly in my career and eventually I secured a stable job at Diaconía.
It was a difficult journey, but one that strengthened me as a person.
My name is Fatima, and my life once seemed perfect. I had a higher education, a successful 24-year career as a financial expert at a large bank, a wonderful husband who held a prestigious and respected position as a judge, and a happy family with three daughters. We had a house, and a peaceful, prosperous life as part of Venezuela’s upper class.
But everything changed seven years ago with the arrival of a new government. Venezuela became a country where security was deteriorating by the day. My husband was persecuted because of his work as a criminal judge. He was forced to flee the country as the extortion and threats intensified. After eight months apart, he had secured a residence and work permit in Spain and was able to buy tickets for my youngest daughter and me to leave. But escaping Venezuela would not be easy.
We feared for our own lives. We couldn’t have routines; I had to change my routes to work and school constantly and lived in constant fear that the same people who had threatened my husband would come after me. I knew that this was no life for anyone, especially not for a child.
Leaving Venezuela was not a choice but a necessity.
On a solitary night, I took my 8-year-old daughter, my mother, and my mother-in-law, both elderly and we left. It was a terrifying experience. We had to cross the border into Colombia on foot, as the conflicts in my country prevented the free transit of cars and people. I remember walking a long way with my daughter, carrying nothing but our fears and hopes for a better future. The hardest part was having to deceive her—I told her we were going on vacation, when in reality, we were running for our lives. But by some twist of fate, we reunited with my husband.
My fears upon arriving in Spain were overwhelming. I was afraid of the unknown, of rejection, of not knowing what I would do or how I would feel. Visiting Spain as a tourist was one thing, but arriving to stay and build a new life was entirely different. But over time, these fears disappeared. God placed wonderful people in my path who welcomed me, gave me opportunities, and recognised my knowledge and values.
Looking ahead, my greatest dream is to be reunited with my two older daughters and my grandchildren. It has been seven long years since I last hugged them. One daughter remains in Venezuela, the other in Colombia. Both have their own families and children—my grandchildren, with whom I have never shared a hug. Financial limitations and the risks involved prevent us from being together, but we try to stay connected through video calls.
Through everything I have experienced, I have learned that we can overcome any obstacle. We are often stronger than we think, and with faith and perseverance, we can achieve anything we set our minds to. I may have lost wealth and status, but I have gained so much more—the chance to live, to help others, and to find happiness in new ways. My story is one of resilience, and I will continue to fight for my family and our future together.
I remember that in the bedroom there were two bunk beds, and I placed the mattress on the floor between my two children, nine and seven, holding their hands because…
