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 labor. Public education is available for those who can afford it and consider it of value.  Life in Quiche is always a challenge.

Hello! This is Lucas Jayder Ruiz Tiquiram, and I am so happy to introduce myself through this letter. By the grace of the Lord, I am a healthy four-year-old boy. I was born on May 27, 2021. I still do not attend school because of my age. My favorite pastime is playing soccer with my siblings. I have one brother and one sister. I love eating roasted meat. My favorite color is blue. I love dogs. Now, let me tell you about my family. My father’s name is Edwin Jose Ruiz Gutierrez. He works as a day laborer and woodcutter. While he works, my mother dedicates her full time to taking care of my siblings and me. Her name is Elsa Beatriz Tiquiram Gutierrez. She also raises chickens and works in the field to contribute to the expenses.

We are grateful to my grandparents because they allow us to live in their house. It is made of adobe walls with a metal roof and a concrete floor. It has four rooms, a separate kitchen, electricity, and running water. My father and grandfather share the household expenses. I am glad because the feeding program is near where I live. My oldest sister and I usually walk for fifteen minutes to get there. As for my spiritual life, let me tell you that my family and I attend a nearby Christian Church. Thank you so much for reading my information!

Cordiality yours,

Lucas Jayder Ruiz Tiquiram

Translated by: Hillary Popol, AAC Secretary / Antigua Guatemala