My Story

Chixocol, where your child lives, is a very small village nestled in a mountain valley in the state of Quiché, Guatemala. Life in this state is very difficult. Most families live in one-room adobe houses with dirt floors and a small, attached kitchen. The extremely poor live in houses made of corn stalks. In the past few years, electricity and water have become available to most people in the area - however, indoor plumbing is very rare. Most of the families are farmers or shepherds and live off the fruits of their labors. Public education is available for those who can afford it and consider it of value.  Life in Quiché is always a challenge.

It gives me great joy to be able to share a little about myself through this letter. My name is Diego Neftali de la Cruz Suar and I am now 11 years old. I was born on August 23, 2013. I am a 4^th grade student. I spend time playing soccer. The animal that I like the most is the raccoon. My favorite color is sky blue and I like to eat spaghetti. My father’s name is Diego de la Cruz de la Cruz, and he earns a living working as a farmer and as a day laborer. My mother is Gregoria Suar de la Cruz, and she stays at home taking care of us and doing her chores. She also spends time raising hens, ducks, pigs and a cow. I have 6 siblings. We are in good health. My family and I attend a Prince of Peace church.

The house has 8 rooms, but we use only four and a separate kitchen made of block walls, cement roof and cement floor. We have running water and electricity which my father pays. It takes us 15 minutes to come to the feeding program on a bicycle. My mother helped me to give my information. We are grateful for the support that I have been receiving through the feeding program.

With much love

Diego Neftali de la Cruz Suar

Translated by: Lucia Gravez/AAC Secretary