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! I fondly greet you, hoping you are doing well. My name is Daylin Dayana Lindo Gutierrez, and I am so happy to share with you about my life. I was born on June 25, 2012. I am 13 years old and I am a deaf-mute girl. Fortunately, this condition does not stop me from enjoying life and attending school. I am in seventh grade. I am enrolled in a school for people with different abilities called Senderos de Luz, Amor y Esperanza (Paths of Light, Love, and Hope School). My favorite hobbies are coloring and drawing. I love the color black. My favorite animals are cats. I enjoy having eggs and avocados for my meals.

The people who I live with are my parents and brother. There are only two children in my family. My father’s name is Salvador Lindo Tino. He traveled to the United States about two years ago. Thankfully, he is doing well. He is in touch with us, so we know he makes a living as a cook to support our family financially. My mother’s name is Estela Gutierrez Garcia. She takes care of us and weaves typical clothes to contribute to the expenses at home. We are a humble family and most of our needs are groceries.

I am grateful to God because we are doing well. We attend the Catholic Church. We own a house, which is made of concrete block walls, metal tin sheet roof, and concrete floor. It has three rooms and a separated kitchen. We have electricity, which we cover monthly, and running water, which we cover annually. As for domestic animals, let me tell you that we have one cow. The feeding program is about 35 minutes far away from where I live. To get there, I usually walk a little until find a motorcycle taxi. It is time to say goodbye, but I really appreciate you taking the time to read my information.

With gratitude,

Daylin Dayana Lindo Gutierrez

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