Dueñas, 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 Dueñas is quiet and sometimes difficult. 

Hello! My name is Nestor Adrian Sas Mishia. I was born on September 18th, 2015, in Antigua Guatemala, Sacatepequez, Guatemala. I am 9 years old. I attend the second grade. My hobby is to watch TV. My favorite color is yellow, and my favorite animal is the lizard. I love to eat fried chicken. I have one sister and no brothers. Our pets are a dog and a cat. I am very happy to be registered in the Dueñas feeding program; I get there by walking in 10 minutes. My father´s name is Marvin David Sas Lorenzo. He abandoned us about 3 years ago and does not give us support because he has another partner. My mother´s name is Sonia Maribel Mishia Salazar. She makes a living making tortillas in a tortilla shop to get income. Now, my mother has a relationship with Mr. Hugo Leonel Reyes Cutzal, but he does not live with us. He does masonry work in a village called San Lorenzo and is giving us economic support. 

As for me, let me tell you I am suffering from an infection in my tonsils, I am taking medicines, and I trust in God, I will get better soon. The rest of my family is healthy. We do not attend any church because of a lack of time. The house in which we live belongs to my grandfather Alvaro who already passed away; my grandma and two uncles also live there. There are three rooms, but we use only one room, and the kitchen is separated. The house is entirely made of tin sheets, including the roof and walls. Part of the floor is dirt, and part is cement. We have electricity; my mother contributes with my grandma and uncles to pay the bill every month. We do not have running water. Sometimes, our neighbors give it to us for free, and other times, we pay for it. Our greatest need is school support for me since it is hard for my mother to supply what I need at school. Thank you for reading my letter and I hope you find it interesting. May God bless you! 

Kisses and hugs, 

Nestor Adrian Sas Mishia 

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