My Story

It is a blessing for me to say hello to you through this means. I hope you are doing well. This is Marlon Gabriel, and I am glad to share some of my last news with you. My family and I attend the Catholic Church on Sundays. I have learned to love the Almighty because my father, Tomas Tiniguar, has taught me everything I know nowadays. He is 45 years old, and he makes a living as a tuk-tuk taxi driver. Fortunately, he is healthy. I affectionately call him father since he has lived with my mother and me for many years. Sadly, my biological father only gave me his last name, but he never took responsibility for me. My mother, Claudia Guarcas, is 31 years old. She runs her own business, which consists of selling fried chicken. Her health condition is good. Our priority needs are groceries, especially corn. I want to use this moment to tell you that LW is a blessing in my community, and I thank you so much for supporting many needy people like me through this project. We have a small piece of land in San Jose village. We take advantage of that to harvest corn and beans for our consumption.

I am fifteen years old, and I use my time to help my grandma sell fried chicken. I used to attend school. I passed sixth grade. When the pandemic spread everywhere, I got discouraged. I would love to become a vet when I am older. My native language is Spanish, but I also would love to speak the K’iche dialect. Christmastime is my favorite holiday. My family and I usually decorate our home to celebrate that lovely time. My favorite drinks are sodas and I love walking among the trees. I had my birthday in May. I would love to have a delicious cake to celebrate my next birthday. To end this letter, I want you to know that my mother helped a LW teacher to collect all this information for you. I will leave you for now, but I appreciate your kind attention.

Sincerely yours,

Marlon Gabriel Garcia Guarcas

Translated by: Hillary Popol, AAC Secretary / Antigua Guatemala