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 Manuela Fernanda Gutierrez Ojer. My birthdate is January 4, 2013, which makes me 10 years of age now and I am in good health. I attend 3^rd grade at school this year. I usually go to the library in my free time or wash my clothes. I love the color pink, and bears are the animals I like the most. We have three dogs as pets. About food, my favorites are stew and marinated meat. I have three brothers. I want you to pray for my mother´s health because she was diagnosed in the hospital with kidney stones and gallstones. She had some medical exams and is waiting for a surgery to remove them. We trust in God that she will recover her health soon.

My biological father is Domingo Guiterrez Tino. He is not with me because he left to go to the United States when I was a baby. He occasionally communicates with me, but he does not help me often. He works by killing cattle on a farm. My mother is Wendi Marisol Ojer Perez. She used to work in a plant nursery to contribute to the income, but she stopped for a while because of her health issues. I have one older brother who lives with my great grandma in Quiche town; my mother used to send some money every two weeks. My mother has a partner, he is Mr. Jose Ricardo Salazar Lopez, my stepfather. He drives a truck and delivers construction materials in Dueñas village; he supplies the family´s needs.

We rent the house in which we live; the monthly payment is Q300.00 = $40.00. There is one room and a separate kitchen; those are made entirely of tin sheets and a dirt floor. We have electricity and running water services; my stepfather pays for them. As a family, our most basic needs are food, clothing, footwear and tin sheets to improve our house. We attend Catholic Church in our village. I live 3 minutes away from the feeding program. My mother Wendy Ojer provided my personal information to the Living Water staff for my registration. With much love and praying for God to bless you!

Lots of love,

Manuela Fernanda Gutierrez Ojer

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