My Story

Duenas, 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 Duenas is quiet and sometimes difficult.

It is an immense pleasure to say hello to you through this letter. My full name is Henry Jhonyel Diaz Salazar. I am 8 years old, and I want to share a little about my life with you. I was born on September 9, 2016. My favorite color is red. I love dogs, and my favorite food is estofado (Guatemalan chicken stew). I am in first grade and one of my favorite pastimes is playing with my father. He is a diligent farmer who does his best to support our family economically. His name is Jonny Elisandro Diaz Rivera. On the other hand, my mom dedicates her full time to looking after my brother and me. Her name is Maria De Los Angeles Salazar Lopez. I only have one brother. 

We are members of the Foursquare Christian Church. We live with my paternal grandparents at their house. Therefore, we must share the household expenses with them. The house is made of concrete block walls with tin sheet roofs and ceramic floors. It has three rooms, electricity, and running water. My family and I only use one room of the house as a kitchen and bedroom. As for pets, let me tell you that we have three dogs and three cats. We are a low-income family, so most of the time, it is difficult to survive. One of our greatest needs is food. Fortunately, the feeding program is a thirty-minute walk from where I live. It is a big blessing for me to be part of LW-Adopt A Child. I will leave you now, but I would like to hear from you soon.

Best wishes,

Henry Jhonyel Diaz Salazar

Translated by: Hillary Popol, AAC Secretary