My Story

Hello, my name is Manuela Elvira de la Cruz Franco, and it is a please to be able to greet you today. I hope you are doing well along with your loved ones. I want to tell you a little bit about myself today. I am eight years old, and I live in a small village called Pasajoc in the mountains of Guatemala. I love going to the feeding program from Living Water Adopt-A-Child each week. It is a huge blessing to receive a good meal and Bible classes from Living Water. We also get to see the doctor when we need medical help. I am in first grade this year. This is my second time in first grade, but we are about to finish up the year, and I hope I passed my classes so I can go to third grade next year. That was really sad for me when I learned that I did not pass my grade last year, but I know God was with me to help me feel better and to encourage me to do better this year. Thankfully, my family and I are doing well. My mom’s name is Juana Franco Jimon. She is a housewife. She does the chores and housework and takes care of me and my brother. She also takes care of the chickens and animals we have. She raises them and sells them so we can make a little extra money. My dad’s name is Carlos de la Cruz Gutierrez. He is the one who provides for us. He works as a farmer. Each year, he travels to the coast to work on coffee plantations, harvesting and cleaning the crop. He leaves for about two to three months and then he comes back home for the rest of the year to work for people in our area.

We haven’t gone to church in two years now, but I know about Jesus and God. Jesus is very powerful and very loving. My mom is someone I identify with a lot, because we spend a lot of time together. She is a good mom. I also have a best friend named Lucy. She has been my friend since we started going to school, and we love going to the store together and buying snacks and candy. I hope you have enjoyed reading my information today. It makes me feel so special to know that someone from so far away is thinking of me. I hope you have a wonderful day, and I send many blessings and big hugs.

With much love,

Manuela Elvira de la Cruz Franco

Translated by: Olivia Gallardo, Missionary Intern