My Story

Chixocol, where your child lives, is a very small village nestled in a mountain valley in the state of Quiche, Guatemala. Life in this state is very difficult and somewhat isolated from the outside world. 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 Quiche is always a challenge

Hello! My full name is Rowald Leander Francisco Tino Gonzalez, and I am delighted to write this letter to you.  I am 4 years old and thanks to God, I am in good health. I was born on July 17th, 2020. I am not attending school yet. My favorite pastime is playing toy cars with my friends. One of my favorite foods is rice with chicken, and I love to eat it. I like pigs and my favorite color is brown. Now, let me tell you a little about my family. Thankfully, they are healthy. I want to introduce my family; I live with my mother and siblings. My father is in the United States. He has been there one year. Thanks to God, he helps us economically. His name is Pedro Tino Gutierrez. My mother takes care of us. She raises some hens and when we have some need, she sells them to cover our expenses. Her name is Maria Elena Gonzalez Jimon. We live in our own house. It has two rooms and a kitchen. It is made of adobe walls, and a tile roof with concrete floor. We have an artisanal well from which we draw water for our consumption. We do not have own our electricity. My grandfather shares it with us, and we pay him every month. We raise some pigs, hens and sheep. We have many needs, but the greatest need is to put a roof on the place where have a water tank. Because when it is rainy or when it is very hot, it is difficult to use it. The feeding program is 20 minutes away from my house and I get there on foot.  I hope that you enjoy my letter and thank you very much for taking the time to read it.

Many hugs,

Rowald Leander Francisco Tino Gonzalez

Translated by: Magnolia De Torres / A-A-C Secretary-Antigua Guatemala