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! It is a blessing to share a little about my life with you through this letter. My full name is Dulce Maria Galicia Reyes, and I was born on June 18, 2019. Today, I am 5 years old. I do not attend school at the moment. My favorite color is red and I love dogs. My family and I have one lovely dog, one turtle, and one parakeet at home as pets. I live with my parents and two sisters. I am the youngest child in my family. When my sisters come back from school, I like playing basketball with them. Fortunately, we are all in good health. My mom is a great housewife. Her name is Maria Odalia Reyes Cutzal and she prepares delicious meals. My favorite food is spaghetti. The one who supports our family economically is my father. His name is Luis Armando Galicia Pamal, and he works hard as a mason in Antigua Guatemala.

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. My parents are grateful to my grandfather, Isidro Galicia, because he allows us to live at his house. My grandmother and he do not live with us because they have another house in a nearby town. There are three rooms and a separate kitchen in the house. 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. Fortunately, the house has running water and electricity services. My parents cover them monthly. Fortunately, the house is near the feeding program. My sisters and I usually walk for ten minutes to get there. I will leave you now, but I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Best wishes,

Dulce Maria Galicia Reyes

Translated by: Hillary Popol, AAC Secretary /Antigua Guatemala