My Story

Dueñas, where your child lives, is a small farming village located at the foot of one of Guatemala's active volcanoes, Fuego (Fire). The fertile ground around the village allows for the cultivation of roses and coffee, two of Guatemala's largest exports. Most of the families in this area live in one or two room wooden or adobe houses with tin roofs. Electricity is available to those who can afford it. Running water is available - however, most homes do not have indoor plumbing. Public education is available for those who can afford it and consider education of value. Life in Dueñas is quiet and sometimes difficult.

My name is Katherine Yesenia Marroquin Diego. I will turn eight years old this year. I was born on November 27, 2014. I attend first grade at school. I enjoy playing dolls in my spare time. I love the color purple. The dog is my favorite animal. My favorite meal is rice and beans. By the grace of God, my family and I are in good health. My father´s name is Jorge Mario Marroquin Chavac. However, he does not live with us because he got separated from my mother about 3 years ago. He does not support us in any way. My mother´s name is Ana Maria Diego Ramirez, and she strives to support us. She makes and sells tortillas during the day. I have three sisters. We are members of Catholic Church. We live in my grandmother’s house alongside some uncles. We use one room, and my mother cooks in the same kitchen as my grandma. The room is made of tin sheets with a dirt floor. There are running water and electricity services, and my mother gives some money to my grandma for these expenses every month. I walk 15 minutes to arrive to the feeding program. It is a great blessing for my family and me to be registered in the program. Our greatest needs are groceries. I thank you for taking the time to read my personal information.

Hugs with much love,

Katherine Yesenia Marroquin Diego

Translated by: Violeta Hernandez / A-A-C Secretary-Antigua