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.

My name is Julia Guadalupe Galicia Reyes, and I fondly greet you in the name of Jesus. Before introducing myself, I thank you so much for reading my letter. I am 9 years old and my favorite hobbies are playing basketball and riding my bike. I was born on June 11, 2015. Today, I attend school as a third-grade student. I like dogs, my favorite color is purple, and I love eating Bolognese spaghetti. The people who I live with are my parents and two sisters. I am the middle child in my family. Fortunately, we are all in good health. My father is Luis Armando Galicia Pamal, and he works hard as a mason in Antigua Guatemala. On the other hand, my mom dedicates her full time to looking after my sisters and me. She is a great housewife. Her name Maria Odalia Reyes Cutzal.

We live in a borrowed house which belongs to my grandfather, Isidro Galicia. My parents cover the household expenses such as running water and electricity. There are three rooms and a separate kitchen at home. We only use one room as a bedroom and the kitchen. Half of the house is made of tin sheets and concrete blocks with concrete floors. My grandfather does not live with us because he has another house where he lives with my grandmother. We have one dog, one parakeet, and one turtle at home as pets. We are a humble family and some of our greatest needs are two new beds. We are Christians and attend the Catholic Church in our town. I am glad because I am already part of the feeding program! My sisters and I usually walk for ten minutes to get to the project. I say goodbye to you now, but I wish you all kind of blessings.

Sincerely yours,

Julia Guadalupe Galicia Reyes

Translated by: Hillary Popol, AAC Secretary /Antigua Guatemala