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! This is Elsa Albertina Chingo Suy, and I am writing this letter to tell you how I am. This year, I attend pre-kindergarten at school. I was born in July 9, 2021, so I am five years old. In my spare time, I enjoy playing dolls. My favorite color is black and I love sheep. The most delicious meal for me is rice and beans. Let me tell you about my family. By the grace of the Lord, my family is fine. My father is Noe Chingo Tulujan, and he earns a living working both as a farmer and as a day laborer. My mother is Petronila Suy Luis, and she is a housewife. She also raises and sells hens. I have two sisters who attend the feeding program too. Our family attends the Christian church called Prince of Peace.

 

We live in our own house which is made of adobe walls, tin sheet roof and concrete floor. There are two rooms and a separate kitchen. We have water from a well and electricity. Our greatest needs are groceries and school supplies. We take a tuc-tuc ride for about 20 minutes from home to the feeding program. Well, this is all for now. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

 

Kisses and hugs,

Elsa Chingo

 

Translated by: Lucia Gravez/AAC Secretary