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 Damaris Adriana Hernandez Ordonez, and I was born on October 31, 2015; so now, I am 9 years old. I only have my mother’s last name since my biological father did not recognize me legally. I do not have any information about him. My mother’s name is Lesbia Marisol Hernandez Ordonez, and she works as a maid in Guatemala City. I have one brother and one sister, and they are also registered at the feeding program. Our house is located 5 minutes away from the program; we walk to get there. We attend the Catholic Church. We have three dogs as pets.

I am in 3rd grade this year, and I like drawing in my free time. Thankfully, I am in good health. My favorite color is black, and I love cats. I enjoy eating Chow Mein. My family and I are living in a rented house, and we pay Q1,200.00 quetzals ($160.00) per month. My maternal grandparents and their two single sons live with us, and my grandfather helps us to pay the rent. The house has two rooms and one kitchen, and it is made of concrete block with a tin sheet roof and ceramic floor. We have running water and electricity services. This is my information, and my grandmother helped me with it. I hope you find it interesting.

With much love

Damaris Adriana Hernandez Ordonez

Translated by: Loyda de Osorio, AAC Secretary-Antigua