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 Kenzo Sebastian Suar Mendez.  I was born on April 6, 2014.  I am a healthy child, and I walk about 15 minutes to get to the feeding program.  I have three brothers and two sisters.  My father’s name is Sebastian and he works as a farmer.  My mother’s name is Pabla and she takes care of our home.  Our house is made of brick with a ceramic tile floor.  The roof is constructed in such a way that an additional level could be added in the future.  It has five rooms and a kitchen.  We have water and electricity.  We raise chickens to sell when they are grown and earn money for our expenses.  I am in kindergarten, and in my free time, I like to play with my toy cars.  My favorite color is green and my favorite animal is the dog.  The foods that I like best are papayas, pineapples, watermelon and chirmol (traditional Guatemalan dish).  My family attends Prince of Peace Church.

With much love and many blessings,

Kenzo Sebastian Suar Mendez

Translated by: Edwina Lyons/ AAC Missionary