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 Gustavo Xan Morente.  I was born on March 28, 2016.  I am a healthy child, and I walk about an hour to get to the feeding program.  I have two sisters and two brothers.  My father’s name is Carlos and he works as a farmer and a day laborer.  He also travels to the coast to cut cane for six months.  My mother’s name is Juana and she takes care of our home and our domestic animals.  Sometimes, she weaves typical items.  We own the house in which we live.  It is made of adobe with a tile roof and dirt floor.  It has two rooms.  We have water and electricity.  I am not in school yet, so I spend my day playing with my balls and toy cars.  My favorite color is red and my favorite animal is the dog.  The foods that I like best are papayas and fried chicken.  My family attends a Methodist church.

With much love and many blessings,

Gustavo Xan Morente

Translated by: Edwina Lyons/ AAC Missionary