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.

Hello! My name is Gilberto Armando Castellanos Santizo. I was born on September 17, 2012, and I am already 11 years old. I am in 4^th grade this year. My hobbies are playing spinning tops, running and football. The color I like the most is green, and my favorite animal is the dog. About meals, I love stew. Guatemala has unique recipes. I live with my parents and one brother. My father is Gilberto Armando Castellanos Sierra. He struggles to supply our needs by driving a micro-bus in the nearby villages. My mother is Gladis Yohana Santizo Gonzalez. She does the housework and watches over my brother and me. We are Catholics.

About my health, let me tell you that I have nosebleeds when it is hot or cold weather. About my parents’ health, my father suffers from stomach ache because he has a hiatal hernia, colon problems and insomnia. Fortunately, he takes medicine for his illnesses. My mother suffers from articulations and bones pain, and she started with this when my young brother was born. She is still not under medical care. So please, pray for my parents and my health also. We live on our own property; The house is made of tin sheets, both walls and roof, with a cement floor. We have two rooms and my mother cooks in one of them. There is electricity and running water; my father pays for those services. I am fortunate to have my parents who support and provide for me. For now, the main need is clothes for me because I am growing up so fast, and my parents do not always have the resources to supply this need. My brother and I walk about 20 minutes to arrive at the feeding program. My mother Gladis Santizo provided my personal information to the Living Water staff for my registration. Sending huge hugs. May God bless you always!

Bunch of hugs,

Gilberto Armando Castellanos Santizo

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