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.

It is a blessing for me to say hello to you through this letter. My name is Kevin Fernando Gomez Arias, and before telling you about my life, I want you to know that my mom helped me to give all this information to an AAC secretary. I was born on June 19, 2015. As for health, let me tell you that I have a hernia and suffer from body pains. My mom took me to the doctor and now, I am under medical treatment. I am in second grade, and my favorite pastimes are playing soccer and riding my bike. My favorite color is red, I love rabbits, and my favorite dish is black beans with ground beef. I live with my mom, youngest sister, and stepfather. I do not have brothers. My biological father’s name is Jose Gomez Lopez. He separated from my mom about two years ago. He sometimes is in communication with my sister and me. He sends us Q700=$89.33 monthly to cover some of our needs, although he does not always do it. My mother’s name is Delmy Roxana Arias Guzman. She keeps busy doing the chores and taking care of my sister and me. She just established a new relationship with a man who helps us economically. My stepfather’s name is Byron Anibal Lara Sas. He works at Costa Sol Farm by fertilizing the plants. 

My family and I sometimes attend Liberty Church. We live in a house that belongs to my stepfather. Some of his relatives also live there. There are four rooms at home, but we only use one; therefore, we prepare our meals and sleep in the same room. The house is made of concrete blocks with tin sheet roof and concrete floors. We have electricity and running water. We share the expenses with all the people that live there. As for pets, let me tell you that we have a lovely rabbit. Some of our needs are to have an extra bed and a new closet. I am glad because I can have delicious food and meet new children at the feeding program. My sister and I usually walk five minutes from our home to get there. This is all for now about my life. I will leave you now, but thank you so much for reading my letter. May God bless you!

Cordiality yours,

Kevin Fernando Gomez Arias

Translated by: Hillary Popol / AAC Secretary / Antigua Guatemala