My Story

Chuchuca, where your child lives, is an area located high on the side of a mountain in the state of Quiche, 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 crops. The Quiche Mayans who inhabit this area trace their ancestral roots to the ancient Mayan civilization. They normally speak a Mayan dialect called Quiche - however, Spanish is becoming more common. Very little money ever changes hands in this area as they live on a barter system.

Hello! It makes me so happy to be able to share some information about me and my family. My name is Valentina Garcia Mendoza. I was born on January 16^th, 2016. I am 10 years old. I live with my parents and siblings. My father´s name is Arnoldo Garcia Garcia, and he works as a day laborer. At the end of the year, he travels to the coast to pick coffee. My mother´s name is Lucia Mendoza Morente; she is a housewife and takes care of us. Also, she raises some sheep, pigs and hens. I have one brother and two sisters. Thanks to God, we are family in good health. We are members of the Prince of Peace Church. We are thankful with God because we have the blessing to live in our own house.

My maternal grandparents live with us. The house has two rooms and a separate kitchen. It is made of adobe walls, tin sheet roof and concrete floor. We do not have running water; we obtain it from the spring with a hose, and we use a solar panel to brighten the house. At school, I am in second grade. I like to play soccer with my siblings. My favorite animal is the sheep and I love pink. I like many foods, but my favorite is fried chicken. I am very happy when I can eat it. I humbly tell you that our greatest needs as a family would mostly be corn and groceries. I pray to God for his provision in my family.  I have to say bye for now, but I hope you liked my letter. I pray many blessings over you and your loved ones.

Kisses and hugs,

Valentina Garcia Mendoza

Translated by: Magnolia Gómez, AAC Secretary/Guatemala