My Story

I will start by giving you thanks for taking the time to read my update. I walk for seven minutes to arrive to the feeding program. I am Shirlyn Ximena. I am 11 years old and I will have my birthday in November. I take classes in my village and I am a fifth-grade student. My school is about twenty minutes away from my home. I love Communication and Language but Mathematics is a little difficult for me. Since our school is closed for Covid-19, I have been doing homework that my teachers assigned me by WhatsApp. At home, I usually help with the duties and also take care of my siblings.

The people who live in the house are my stepfather, mother, siblings and me. My father left the house when I was eight months old. I have communication with him and he helps me a little financially. My stepfather´s job consists of working in a company called Sacos Industriales and my mother works in San Sebastian Farm in the tomato plantation. We are members of the Catholic Church and now we are watching mass on television. I am grateful to God because we all are in good health. In spite of the hard health situation that we are currently facing in our country, our Lord has been taking care of us. We trust in our Lord's mercy and that He will put His healing hands over all people who are suffering during this pandemic. I would like to receive a letter from you and have the opportunity to share our life experiences with each other.

Thinking of you!

Sherlyn Ximena Garcia Cancinos

AAC NOTE: After the first COVID-19 case was confirmed in our country (March 13, 2020), our President ordered the closure of all the schools in order to prevent children becoming affected by this virus. We do not know when the schools will open again.  However, most of the schools are assigning homework to their students to cover the content for the current school year. As a team, we are praying that God takes control of this situation soon so that we may continue on with our lives.

Translated by: Mireya de Sandoval, AAC Secretary/Antigua