My Story

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.

It is a pleasure to greet you! I wish you many blessings, and I hope you are well as you are reading this biography. I know God has directed you to my profile for a purpose, and it feels so good to think that somebody may be thinking about me and may want to sponsor me. I want to tell you a little bit about myself. My name is Yorjan Estuardo Godínez Sapón. I was born on June 26, 2011. I am fourteen years old now, and I go to school in the fifth grade. My favorite thing to do in my free time is play soccer with my friends. My favorite food is a Guatemalan typical dish called estofado. It is like beef and vegetable stew, and it is so delicious. My favorite color is fuchsia, and I love dogs. They are my favorite animal, even thouh we don’t have any pets at home. Maybe one day I will be able to have one of my own. I am so grateful that I am in good health along with my family. I want to tell you a little bit about them now. I live with my aunt, Blanca Susana Alí. My family is a little complicated, so I hope you will understand. My father’s name is Jesús Godínez Mejía. He has never lived with us, and he does not claim me, but I do have contact with him. He does not have a job, because he is an alcoholic, so he does not provide us any support financially. My mother’s name is Vilma Janeth Sapón Siritit. She is an in-home assistant in the next town over from us, and she sustains us financially. She is deafmute, so that is why I stay with my aunt most of the time. If I am ever in a situation, it is better to contact her rather than my mom. I also have one brother and one sister. We live in a small house that we rent for Q350 per month, which is about $45. There are two rooms in the house, but we only use one, and we have a kitchen separated from the house. The house is made of cinderblock walls and a metal roof. We have no flooring, just the ground. We do have running water and lights in our house, which we pay for with the rent. Our greatest need at home would be groceries, since it can be difficult to cover all our expenses and get the food we need. We live about ten minutes away from the feeding program, and I usually go on my bike. As a family we go to church at a catholic church. I have to say goodbye now, but I have enjoyed sharing a little bit about myself. I hope you also enjoyed reading it and learning about me. It means so much to me to think that someone from so far away could be thinking of me. I hope you have a blessed day, and I send you big hugs and many kisses.

With much love,

Yorjan Estuardo Godínez Sapón

 Translated by: Olivia Gallardo, Missionary Intern / Antigua