My Story

Zacualpa is a small but busy village in a mountain valley. The village is inhabited by both Quiché Mayans and Ladinos (those with mixed European ancestry). The prevalent language is Spanish. Families in this village live in one or two room homes generally constructed of either wood or adobe. Although many of the people are farmers, the village contains several small, specialized stores, a body repair shop for buses, mechanics, plumbers and many other small-town tradesmen. It also has a large open-air market which serves much of the area. Even with all of this, the poverty level is very high, and the children are very needy.

I greet you fondly, hoping you are having a fantastic day wherever you are. My name is Aura Elizabeth Ruiz Tzoc and this is my story. I was born on April 23, 2017. I am glad because I am attending school as a kindergartener. I like playing with my doll. My favorite color is blue, and I love eating sausages with tomato sauce. I live with my biological parents and siblings. I have one brother and one sister. My father’s name is William Juventino Ruiz Hernandez. He is a blacksmith and does his best to support our family. On the other hand, my mother does a fantastic job as a housewife. Her name is Aura Alicia Tzoc Chingo. She also raises hens at home; my siblings and I help her. As for health, let me tell you that we are doing well, although my dad has a hernia in his stomach. He needs surgery, but his income is not enough to cover it. At the moment, he takes medicines to mitigate the issue. 

My family and I attend Liberty Church. We live with my paternal grandfather in a house that belongs to him. It has only one room but no kitchen. Therefore, we prepare our meals in the same place. The walls are made of bricks with a tile roof and concrete floors. We do not have running water at home, but one of our neighbors sells us water for our consumption. We usually go to my grandmother’s house to wash our clothes. We do not have electricity at home; therefore, we light our home by using candles at night. We need so much help at home, but our greatest needs are groceries, especially corn. My siblings and I enjoy attending the feeding program. We usually walk one hour and a half from our house to get to the program. To end this letter, I want you to know that my mom helped me to give all this information to a teacher of LW. I say goodbye to you for now, but I hope to hear from you soon. 

Kisses and hugs,

Aura Elizabeth Ruiz Tzoc

Translated by: Hillary Popol / AAC Secretary / Antigua Guatemala