My Story

Chixocol, where your child lives, is a very small village nestled in a mountain valley in the state of Quiche, Guatemala. Life in this state is very difficult and somewhat isolated from the outside world. Most families live in one-room adobe houses with dirt floors and a small attached kitchen. The extremely poor live in houses made of corn stalks. In the past few years electricity and water have become available to most people in the area - however, indoor plumbing is very rare. Most of the families are farmers or shepherds and live off the fruits of their labors. Public education is available for those who can afford it and consider it of value.  Life in Quiche is always a challenge.

Hello, my name is Melany Yuliza Barrera Hernandez. I was born on November 24, 2021, so I am 4 years old now. I did not study yet due to my young age. I enjoy staying at home playing dolls. My favorite color is purple. The most delicious meal for me is rice and beans. I love ducks. I feel so happy to be part of the feeding program. Let me tell you a little about my family: I live with my parents and my 11 siblings. My mother is Maruca Hernandez de la Cruz de Barrera. She is a housewife, and she earns an extra money doing typical embroidery and weaving items to sell. She also raises domestic animals such as hens, pigs and turkeys. My father is Victoriano Barrera Jimon. He works as a day laborer. Four of my siblings attend the feeding program in Chixocol. My whole family is in good health. My family attends the Catholic Church.

In our house, there are three rooms and a separate kitchen made of adobe, tin sheet roof and dirt floor. We have running water and electricity. My parents pay these services every month. What we need most is groceries. The program is about 20 minutes by moto-taxi. I am grateful to be part of the feeding program for all the blessings that I have received. God bless you!

Melany Yuliza Barrera Hernandez

Translated by: Lucia Gravez/AAC Secretary