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 Valery Sofia Sarai Hernandez Ordonez, and I am so happy to introduce myself. Before telling you about my life, I want you to know that my cousin, Elda Yojana Ordonez Monroy, helped me to write this letter. I was born on January 16, 2014. I am 10 years old, and fortunately, I am in good health. I am doing my best at school as a fourth grader. My favorite pastime is playing soccer. I love eating pizza, and my favorite color is black. I live with my grandmother, three siblings, my cousin, and her children. We share all the expenses. I have one brother and two sisters. My mother is Lesbia Marisol Hernandez Ordonez. She works as a domestic employee in the city to support my siblings and me economically. She usually visits us every weekend. 

While my mom works hard, my grandmother takes care of my siblings and me. Her name is Maria Victoria Ordonez Monroy. As for my biological father, let me tell you that I have no information about him. He did not recognize me legally, so I only have my mother's last name. My family and I are members of the Catholic Church. We live in a borrowed house, which belongs to San Sebastian farm. The house is made of concrete block walls, tin sheet roofs, and concrete floors. The house has two rooms, a separate kitchen, electricity, and running water. My favorite animals are dogs. I have three lovely dogs at home as pets. Fortunately, the feeding program is near my house. My sisters and I only walk for ten minutes to get there. I will leave you now, but I send you all kinds of blessings.

Kisses and hugs,

Valery Sofia Sarai Hernandez Ordonez

Translated by: Hillary Popol, AAC Secretary / Antigua Guatemala