My Story

Duenas, 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 Duenas is quiet and sometimes difficult.

I greet you excitedly, hoping you like my information. My name is Yerali Jazmin Yapan Gomez and this is my story. Before doing it, I want you to know that my mom helped me to give all this information to an AAC secretary. I was born on November 5, 2016. I am a healthy girl and I love dogs. My favorite hobbies are reading and playing with my brother. I am in 4^th grade this year. My favorite color is purple, and my favorite dish is spaghetti Bolognese. I am the oldest child in my family. I live with my biological parents and my youngest sister Yerali. My father’s name is Elvis Geovany Yapan Gomez. He makes a living as a farmer despite his health condition. He has suffered from pain in his kidneys and has had a small lump on his head. Because of a lack of money, he does not have any treatment. He is afraid to go to the hospital or health center and find out he needs surgery.

My mother’s name is Abigail Gomez Ordonez. She dedicates her time to taking care of our family. As for health, she also has health issues. She has suffered from her gallbladder since I was born. She has suffered so much pain, especially at night. She self-medicates with painkillers. We attend Foursquare Church and sometimes Liberty Church. We live in a rented house. My father pays Q400=$51.03 per month. The house only has one room with no kitchen. The walls are made of blocks with tin sheet roof and dirt floors. We have electricity and running water. We would love to have our own house someday. Therefore, I would like to count on your prayers. Some of our needs are food, shoes, and clothes. My sister and I usually walk 15 minutes from where we live to get to the feeding program. I say goodbye to you for now, but I hope to hear from you soon.

With much love,

Yerali Jazmin Yapan Gomez

Translated by: Hillary Popol /AAC Secretary / Antigua Guatemala