My Story

Jocotenango, where your child lives, is in the state of Sacatepéquez, Guatemala and is a suburb of Antigua. It is an urban environment and is inhabited by both Quiché Mayans and Ladinos (those with mixed European ancestry). Most of the children attend school, but financial hardship affects many families and forces most of the children to leave after the sixth grade. Only one out of ten children finish high school. Children in this area face temptations from gangs and drugs.

Hello! My name is Gloria Leticia Hernandez Mateo, and I was born on November 17, 2014. Currently, I am 8 years old, and I am in second grade. I am in good health, and I enjoy watching TV in my free time. My favorite food is “pepian” which is a typical dish prepared with meat, tomato and toasted spices. I love the color pink, and the animal I like the most is the cat. We are a Catholic family, and we attend the mass on Sunday. I have one brother and one sister who is my twin; my sister is registered at the feeding program too. My father’s name is Marvin Giovanny Hernandez Raxon, and he works on a flower farm to support us. My mother’s name is Ana Leticia Mateo, and she works hard at home and takes care of us.

We live in a rented house, and we pay Q450.00 quetzals (about $60) every month. My grandparents live with us. The house has four rooms but no kitchen, so we cook outside the rooms. It is all made of tin sheets with a dirt floor. Thankfully, we have running water and electricity services; my dad and grandparents pay half-and half. We have one dog and one hen at home. We are praying to God so that He provides us the resources to buy new beds, please join us in prayers. I walk for 30 minutes to arrive at the feeding program. I tell you that my mom helped me to give this personal information to a LW Evangelism teacher. I am happy to be part of the Ministry. I hope you find my letter interesting.

With much love

Gloria Leticia Hernandez Mateo

Translated by: Loyda de Osorio/A-A-C Secretary, Antigua Guatemala