My Story

Duenas, where your child lives, is a small farming village located at the foot of one of Guatemala's active volcanoes, Fuego (Fire). The fertile ground around the village allows for the cultivation of roses and coffee, two of Guatemala's largest exports. Most of the families in this area live in one or two room wooden or adobe houses with tin roofs. Electricity is available to those who can afford it. Running water is available - however, most homes do not have indoor plumbing. Public education is available for those who can afford it and consider education of value. Life in Duenas is quiet and sometimes difficult.

Hello! My name is Marina Victoria Lazaro Gonzalez, and I am in good health. I was born on July 22, 2021, so I am 4 years old. Due to my young age, I do not attend school yet. I stay at home playing with my toys. I love eating black beans with rice, and my favorite color is pink. I like cats. I only have one brother, and he is also registered at the feeding program. My father’s name is Jorge Cecilio Lazaro Popol, and he works as a mason helper to cover our needs. My mother’s name is Maria Leticia Gonzalez Ojot, and she works hard at home and takes care of us. At the moment, we are not attending a church.

We do not have our own house, so we live in a rented one, and my father has to pay Q500.00 quetzals (about $67.00) per month. The house is made of tin sheets with a dirt floor, and it has one room and a kitchen. It also has running water and electricity services. We have ducks, hens, doves, dogs and cats at home. The house is located 15 minutes away from the feeding program, and we usually ride a bike to get there; I feel blessed to have the opportunity to enjoy a delicious dish every week. In this occasion, my mom helped me to make this letter for you. I hope you find it interesting.

Cordially yours

Marina Victoria Lazaro Gonzalez

Translated by: Loyda de Osorio, AAC Secretary/Antigua Guatemala