ZA4503

Zacualpa is a small but busy village in a mountain valley.  The village is inhabited by both Quiché Indians and Ladinos (those with mixed European ancestry). The prevalent language is Spanish.  Families in this village live in one or two room homes generally constructed of either wood or adobe.  Although many of the people are farmers, the village contains several small specialized stores, a body repair shop for buses, mechanics, plumbers and many other small-town tradesmen.   It also has a large open-air market which serves much of the area.

Hello, my name is Ignacia Aura Marina Morente de la Cruz.  I was born on September 16, 2008.  I am a healthy child, and I walk about 30 minutes to get to the feeding program.  I have only one brother.  My father abandoned us a long time ago.  We do not have any communication with him, nor does he help with our expenses.  My mother’s name is Manuela and she works in a tortilleria (place where they make and sell tortillas) two times a week.  She also takes care of the housework and of some domestic animals that we have.  We do not own our home.  We are living with my grandparents.  The house is made of adobe with a tile roof and a dirt floor.  We have water and electricity.  We have two rooms.  My older brother helps us with some of our expenses.  He works as a day laborer.  I am in the 4^th grade.  My favorite color is pink and my favorite animal is the cat.  The foods that I like best are strawberries and fried chicken.  In my free time, I play ball and I watch television.  My family attends a Methodist church.

With much love and many blessings,

Ignacia Aura Marina Morente de la Cruz

Translated by: Edwina Lyons/AAC Missionary