Chixocol is a very small village nestled in a mountain valley in the state of Quiché, Guatemala.  Life in this state is very difficult and somewhat isolated from the outside world.  Most families live in one-room adobe houses with dirt floors and a small attached kitchen.  The extremely poor live in houses made of corn stalks.  In the past few years electricity and water has become available to most people in the area - however, indoor plumbing is very rare.  Most of the families are farmers or shepherds and live off the fruits of their labors.  Public education is available for those who can afford it and consider it of value.  Life in Quiché is always a challenge.

Hello, my name is Salvador Ricardo Tarse Xirum.  I was born on June 20, 2008.  I am a healthy child, and I walk about an hour to get to the feeding program.  I have two brothers.  My father’s name is Diego and he works digging sand from the river.  He also sells newspapers.  My mother’s name is Tomasa and she takes care of our home.   Also, we have some domestic animals such as hens, pigs, geese and turkeys that she sells when they are grown to earn money for our expenses.  We own the house in which we live.  It is adobe with a tin roof and a dirt floor.  It has one room and a separate kitchen.  We have water and electricity.  My family travels to the coast to work during the coffee harvest in October or November.  I am in 4^th grade and when I am not in school, I spend my time playing with my friends.  My favorite color is blue and my favorite animal is the sheep.  The foods that I like best are mangoes caldo de gallina (traditional chicken soup).  My family attends a Methodist church.

With much love and many blessings,

Salvador Ricardo Tarse Xirum

Translated by: Edwina Lyons/ AAC Missionary