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 corps. 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 so glad to share my information through this. My name is Gerson Santos de la Cruz Ajqui. My birth date is June 18^th 2016, and I was born in Zacualpa, Quiche, Guatemala. I am 9 years old. My father is Pedro de la Cruz Gutierrez. He makes as living as a farmer. He also travels to cut sugar cane for six months to get more income. My mother is Maria Ajqui Chic de la Cruz; she tries to help my father with the expenses. She weaves typical blouses, and she raises hens and pigs to sell. I have only one brother and no sisters. I am so happy because my parents and siblings are doing well.

I am a third-grade student this year. My hobby is to a ride bicycle alongside my older brother. My favorite color is blue. I like dogs. I love eating sausages. My family and I attend Assembly of God Church. We are living in my paternal grandma´s house, and we share the house with my grandparents and uncles. There are three adobe rooms with tin sheet roof and a cement floor. The kitchen is separated. We have running water and electricity services. The electricity payment is monthly, and the water is yearly. As a family, our greatest needs are groceries and school supplies. It is a great blessing for me to be registered in the feeding program; I walk 8 minutes to get there. For now, that is all. I hope to hear from you soon. May God bless you!

Warm hugs,

Gerson Santos de la Cruz Ajqui

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