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 Santa Barrera Barrera.  I was born on October 26, 2009.  I am a healthy child and I walk about 2 hours to get to the feeding program.  I have two brothers and five sisters.  My father’s name is Jose and he works as a farmer.  My mother’s name is Sabina and she takes care of our home.  She also washes clothes for other people to earn money for our expenses.  We own the house in which we live.  It has two rooms and a separate kitchen.  The house is made of cement block with a tin roof and a cement floor.  We have water and electricity.  We also have some domestic animals such as hens and turkeys that we raise and sell when they are grown to help with the expenses.  In addition to that, we have dogs and cats.  I am in 2^nd grade, and when I am not in school, I enjoy playing ball.  My favorite color is purple and my favorite animal is the cat.  The foods that I like best are mangoes and grilled chicken.  Currently, my family does not attend church.

With much love and many blessings,

Santa Barrera Barrera

Translated by: Edwina Lyons/ AAC Missionary