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! I am Angel Danilo Aroldo Zelada Apen. My birthdate is July 27, 2018, which makes me 5 years of age now. I attend Pre-kindergarten this year. I enjoy playing ball in my free time and watering flowers. The color I love is red, and my favorite animal is the dog. The meal I love is grilled chicken and rice. Let me tell you, I suffer from bronchitis, especially during the winter because of the cold weather. I live with my mother and one brother. I would like you to pray for my mother because she is a single parent, and it is a big challenge to deal with two mischievous boys; my mother and grandma are giving us some advice to become good people. My mother´s name is Maria Gregoria Apen Canas. She struggles to supply what we need at home; she cleans houses three days per week. She also sells eggs at home, while she takes care of my brother and me. My father´s name is Erick Danilo Zelada Garcia. However, he abandoned us about two years ago, and he has another partner and drinks alcohol. He lives with his parents, and we do not receive any support from him. For now, we do not attend church.

We rent the house in which we live; the monthly payment is Q500.00 = $67.00. There are two rooms and a separate kitchen; those are made entirely of tin sheets and a concrete floor. We use one room and my mother´s brother and his family use the other room. We have electricity and running water services; my mother and uncle pay for them. We are a needy family and the most needed item at home is a cabinet for dishes. I go to the feeding program by bicycle, and it takes me 30 minutes. This time the Living Water staff collected this information personally for the record, and my mother provided it. Sending much love and hoping to hear news from you very soon. May God bless you!

Bunch of hugs,

Angel Danilo Aroldo Zelada Apen

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