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! My full name is Karol Eliette Zapeta de la Cruz, and I greet you in Jesus’ name. I hope you and your loved ones are doing well. I am glad to share that I am a healthy three-year-old girl. I was born on December 18, 2021. I do not attend school at the moment because of my young age. Therefore, I stay home. My favorite pastime is playing with my toys and pretending to cook. I love the color purple. My favorite animals are cats. About food, I love fried chicken. I am an only child and live with my parents, maternal grandparents and aunts. The house where we live belongs to my grandparents. It is made of adobe walls, a metal roof, and a ceramic floor. It has five rooms, a separate kitchen, electricity, and a well. All the adults contribute to the household expenses.

My father’s name is Wilson Alexander Zapeta Morales. He is a farmer and a photographer in our village. While he works outside, my mother keeps busy doing the chores and embroidering typical clothes. Her name is Kenny Marisol de la Cruz Garcia. She also raises pigs at home for our consumption. We live about ten minutes away from the feeding program. I enjoy having my meals there. My aunts and I usually walk to get there. As for our spiritual life, let me tell you that we attend a Methodist Church. It is time to say goodbye, but I kindly ask you to pray for my family and our well-being.

With many blessings,

Karol Eliette Zapeta de la Cruz

Translated by: Hillary Popol, AAC Secretary / Antigua Guatemala