My Story

Zacualpa is a small but busy village in a mountain valley. The village is inhabited by both Quiche Mayans and Ladinos (those with mixed European ancestry). The prevalent language is Spanish. Families in this village live in one or two room homes generally constructed of either wood or adobe. Although many of the people are farmers, the village contains several small specialized stores, a body repair shop for buses, mechanics, plumbers and many other small-town tradesmen. It also has a large open-air market which serves much of the area. Even with all of this, the poverty level is very high and the children are very needy.

Hello! My full name is Astrid Maycel Ester Nat Chingo, and I am so grateful to LW for allowing me to share with you a little bit about my life. I was born on October 22, 2014. I am 11 years old and attend the fifth grade at school. Coloring is my favorite hobby. I love the color pink. My favorite animals are cats and I enjoy eating fried chicken. I live with my mother, father, and one sister. There are only two children in the family. My father’s name is Santos Nat Gomez. He makes a living as a farmer. My mother’s name is Miriam Marcelina Chingo Quino. She keeps busy doing the chores and taking care of my sister and me. We attend a Christian Church called Sinai Hill. Thankfully, we are all healthy.

Let me tell you that we live with my paternal grandparents at their house because we do no have our own. The house is made of adobe walls, metal tin sheet roof, and dirt floor. It has two rooms and two kitchens; one for each family. We have electricity service, but we get water from a nearby spring with a hose. Luckily, we have enough space at home to raise some pigs. The feeding program is about 30 minutes away from where I live. To get there, my mother and I usually walk or take a motorcycle taxi. It is almost time to end this letter, but I would like to count on your prayers for my family and me. Most of our needs are groceries. Have a wonderful day!

With love,

Astrid Maycel Ester Nat Chingo

Translated by: Hillary Popol, A-A-C Secretary / Guatemala