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 Duenas is quiet and sometimes difficult. 

Hello, my name is Melani Noemi Mejia Yapan. I am eight years old now, and I am so excited to write to you today. I am so happy to think that someone is taking the time to learn about me. I want to tell you a little bit about my family. My dad’s name is Luis Alfredo Mejia Quexel. He works as an attendant in a small convenience store we have. He works very hard to support our family and provide for us financially, since my mom does not work. She chooses to stay home to take care of us and our house. She works very hard as well as a stay-at-home mom to make sure we have what we need. Her name is Brenda Maribel Yapan Ordoñez de Mejia. I also have three brothers and three sisters. We live in a humble home that my dad owns, by the grace of God. We have three rooms in our house, and we have a separated kitchen. Our house is made of cinderblock and concrete floors, and we have a little terrace on the roof. We are blessed to have running water and lights in our home, which we pay for each month. One thing we are in need of is a new bed and a wardrobe, but we pray and trust that God will provide and allow us to be able to afford the things that we need when it is time. We live about twenty minutes from the feeding program in Dueñas, and we usually get there by walking. I have loved going to the feeding program and eating the delicious foods they give us. It is an awesome opportunity for me to be a child of the program, and I am so excited to participate in the activities and Bible classes as well. My favorite food is spaghetti. Sometimes they serve it in the program, and it makes me so happy. Now I want to tell you a little more about myself. I am in second grade now in school. I love going to school, and I love when we get to color and draw, because that is my favorite thing to do. I love the color pink! It is the best color ever. I was born on June 19, 2017. I turned eight years old a few months ago. My favorite animal is a dog, but sadly, we don’t have any puppies or pets at home. I pray that one day I will be able to have one of my own. My family and I go to church at Prince of Peace Church in San Miguel Dueñas. I love going and learning about the Bible stories and how much Jesus loves us. I must say goodbye now, but I hope you have enjoyed reading about me today. Thank you for your heart for the people of Guatemala. I pray God will bless you and your loved ones wherever you are. A big hug from me to you! 

With much love,  

Melani Noemi Mejia Yapan 

 Translated by: Olivia Gallardo, Missionary Intern / Antigua