My Story

Chuchuca, where your child lives, is an area located high on the side of a mountain in the state of Quiché, Guatemala. Life in this area is very difficult and very isolated from the outside world. It is more than a two-hour walk to the nearest market town of Zacualpa. Chuchuca is a farming area where corn and black beans, the staple elements in their diet, are the major crops. The Quiché Indians who inhabit this area trace their ancestral roots to the ancient Mayan civilization. They normally speak an Indian dialect called Quiché - however, Spanish is becoming more common. Very little money ever changes hands in this area as they live on a barter system.

Hello! I am Pedro Angel Alexander Ordonez Calachij. I was born in Zacualpa Quiche on September 22, 2017, and I am already 7 years old. This year I attend 1^st grade at school. I like hens and my favorite color is blue. The food I love is grilled meat. I enjoy playing football with my friends. I have one sister. Now, I am living with my maternal grandparents; they are Eulalio Calachij and Martina Gomes. My father´s name is Bacilio Ordonez Garcia. My mother´s name is Irma Calachij Gomez. Both of my parents live and work in the United States; they wash dishes in a restaurant. They communicate with me every week and send financial support, and my grandparents are administrating that money for my expenses. My grandparents raise hens, pigs and cows. Also, we have a dog and a cat. My sister lives with my paternal grandparents.

We are members of the Church of Christ. The house of my grandparents is made of concrete blocks, terrace and a cement floor. There are three rooms and the kitchen is apart. There is running water and electricity; my grandpa pays for those services. The greatest need at home is groceries. I am very happy to be registered in the feeding program, I walk 25 minutes from home and 40 minutes from my school. I hope you find my letter interesting. May God bless you!

Best wishes,

Pedro Angel Alexander Ordonez Calachij

Translated by: Violeta Hernandez / A-A-C Secretary-Antigua Guatemala