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! How are you? My name is Wainer Cristian Estiven Cruz Chioc, and I was born on August 26, 2019; so now, I am 5 years old. I live in Dueñas town with my family. My father`s full name is Wainer Alfredo Cruz Clemente, and he works as a farmer in our town. My mother’s name is Irma Griselda Chioc Ordonez, and she works very hard at home. I have one brother, and he is registered at the feeding program too. Our house is 30 minutes away from the program; we walk to get there. At the moment, we are not attending a church. We have three dogs and one cat as pets.

 I do not attend school yet due to my age. I keep at home playing, drawing and coloring. Thankfully, I am in good health. My favorite color is blue, and I like pumas. I enjoy eating fried chicken with potatoes. We live in my grandmother’s house, and my uncle’s family lives there also. The house has three rooms and a separated kitchen; we only use one of the rooms. The house is made of concrete block with a tin sheet roof and concrete floor. We have running water and electricity services, and we all contribute to pay these bills. I am happy to write this letter and tell you about my family and me. I hope you find it interesting. May God bless you!

Sincerely yours

Wainer Cristian Estiven Cruz Chioc

Translated by: Loyda de Osorio, AAC Secretary – Antigua