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.

Many greetings from the beautiful Zacualpa Village! My full name is Jeferson Damian Morente Cruz, and I am excited to share a little about my life with you through this letter. I was born on July 5, 2016. I am 9 years old and have a lot of fun playing American football. I am in fourth grade. My favorite color is green, I love cats, and I enjoy having fried chicken on my meals. I live with my parents and brother. We are only two children in my family. My father’s name is Maynor Rolando Morente Hernandez. He works as a gas delivery person and does his best to provide us with what we need. Most of our needs are groceries. My mother also strives to contribute to the household expenses. Her name is Sayda Marily Cruz Taperia, and she works in a bakery and pastry shop.

I am glad because we are all healthy. We attend the Catholic Church. Fortunately, we live in our own house. It is made of adobe walls with tin sheet roof and concrete floor. It has two rooms and a separated kitchen. We have an artisanal well from which we get water. We have electricity at home thanks to my paternal grandparents because they share the service with us. My parents help them to cover the cost of it. As for domestic animals, let me tell you that we raise a few chickens. The feeding program is about 30 minutes away from my house. My father and I usually get there on foot. Well, it is time to say goodbye, but I hope you found my information engaging.

With love and blessings,

Jeferson Damian Morente Cruz

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