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.

Hello! This is Jhosua Estuardo Jerez Sagche, and I am so happy to greet you through this letter. I was born on January 8, 2019. Fortunately, I am a healthy 5-year-old boy. As for school, let me tell you that I am in pre-kindergarten. My favorite color is blue. I am a huge fan of dinosaurs, I love eating chicken. Now, let me tell you a little about my family. I have one brother and one sister. I enjoy playing with them in my free time. I attend the Catholic Church with them and our parents. My father is Melvin Reyes Jerez Lopez. He makes a living as a farmer. My mom is Brenda Patricia Sagche Coyan, and she keeps busy taking care of us. I am still not able to write by myself, so my mom helped me write this letter to you. 

We live with my grandfather in his house. My father helps him with the expenses monthly. One of my uncles also lives with us.  We are a low-income family, and our greatest needs are a new bed and closet. So please, pray for us. The house’s walls and roofs are made of tin sheets and concrete floors. It has three rooms, a separate kitchen, electricity, and running water. As for pets, let me tell you that we have only one dog. I am so happy to be part of the feeding program because I can have delicious food for free. I usually walk fifteen minutes from my house to get to the project. I say goodbye to you now, but I would love to hear from you soon. See you later!

Lots of hugs,

Jhosua Estuardo Jerez Sagche

Translated by: Hillary Popol, AAC Secretary