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 Azucena Johana Chingo Suy, and I want to share with you a little about my life. I am a healthy girl. I was born on July 9, 2021, so I am 4 years old. I am a student, and I am attending preschool. In my free time, I like playing with my dolls. I love the color black, and I like sheep. My favorite food is black beans with rice. I have two sisters, and they are part of the feeding program too. As a family, we are attending Prince of Peace Church. My father’s name is Noe Chingo Tulujan, and he does different kinds of jobs to support us; he works as a mason helper, farmer or day laborer. My mother’s name is Petronila Suy Luis, and she works hard at home; she helps with the home income by selling her hens.

 

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 need is groceries and school supplies. We take a tuc-tuc ride for about 20 minutes from home to the feeding program. Thank you for taking the time to read my letter. I hope you like it and I look forward to hearing from you.

 

Warm regards,

Azucena Chingo

 

Translated by: Lucia Gravez/AAC Secretary