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 Esdras Otoniel Pedro Gonzalez, and I am glad to share my story with you through this letter. I am 10 years old. I am doing well at the moment, but I sometimes suffer from allergies because of sudden weather changes. I was born on June 27, 2014. I am in third grade again. After classes, I enjoy playing soccer with my sisters and friends. I also like helping my mom with the housework on weekends. My favorite color is black and my favorite food is soup. There are many beautiful animals, but my favorite is fish. The people who I live with are my parents, one brother, and two sisters. I am the oldest child in my family. My father is Jairo Otoniel Pedro Pedro. He works hard in Chimaltenango City to support our needs and expenses. He makes a living as a daily collection manager. My mom is Ingris Carolina Gonzalez Yoc. She makes a living by selling second-hand clothes in our town. She tries to help at home with her income. Please pray for my family and our needs. Some of our greatest needs are food, clothes, and shoes. While my parents work, my paternal grandmother takes care of my siblings and me. She lives with some of her children in a house next to ours.

My family and I are members of a Christian Church. We live in a rented house which costs Q900=$116.32 monthly. There is nobody else living with us. Besides the rent payment, my parents cover the running water and electricity bills. The house’s walls and roofs are made of tin sheets while the floors are concrete. It has two rooms and a separate kitchen. As for pets, let me tell you that we have a lovely cat at home. I am glad because the feeding program is near my house. My siblings and I walk about ten minutes to get there. I will leave you now, but I want you to know that my mom helped me write this letter to you. 

Wishing all the best to you,

Esdras Otoniel Pedro Gonzalez

Translated by: Hillary Popol, AAC Secretary / Antigua Guatemala