My Story

Chixocol, where your child lives, is a very small village nestled in a mountain valley in the state of Quiche, Guatemala. Life in this state is very difficult and somewhat isolated from the outside world. Most families live in one-room adobe houses with dirt floors and a small attached kitchen. The extremely poor live in houses made of corn stalks. In the past few years electricity and water have become available to most people in the area - however, indoor plumbing is very rare. Most of the families are farmers or shepherds and live off the fruits of their labors. Public education is available for those who can afford it and consider it of value. Life in Quiche is always a challenge.

Hello! My full name is Francisco Andario De La Cruz Aguilar and I am glad to tell you a little about my life. I was born on October 9, 2019. Thankfully, I am a healthy 5-year-old boy. I still do not attend school, but I hope to do it next year. I am a little shy, but I like making new friends. My favorite color is red and I enjoy playing toy cars. My favorite animal is the dog. As for food, let me tell you that I love having black beans and sausages. I live with my parents, oldest brother, and grandparents on my mother’s side. I only have one brother. My father’s name is Camilo De La Cruz Garcia. He grows tomatoes and sells them to provide our family with all the necessities. Our priorities are food and clothes. My mother’s name is Juana Aguilar Yat. She is dedicated to taking care of my brother and me. She also raises and sells chickens and turkeys to help at home with the expenses.

By the grace of the Lord, my whole family is doing well. We are members of a Christian Church called Prince of Peace. The house where we live belongs to my grandfather. It is made of adobe with a tile roof and a dirt floor. It has two rooms, a separate kitchen, electricity, and running water. My father pays for the services. I am glad because we have one dog and one cat at home as pets. The feeding program is about 10 minutes from our house. My mother and I usually get there on foot. I will leave you now, but I hope to hear from you soon.

In the name of Jesus,

Francisco Andario De La Cruz Aguilar

Translated by: Hillary Popol, AAC Secretary/Antigua Guatemala