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.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude for giving me the opportunity to be part of the feeding program. This is Ian Pedro Jared Ruiz Chom. I was born on March 30, 2020 and I am 6 years old. I attend school in Kindergarten. I spend time playing toy cars. My favorite color is blue and I love kittens. I enjoy when my mother cooks fried chicken. I am healthy. I have a lovely family. My father is Rolando Ruiz Garcia. Three years ago, he decided to immigrate to the United States in order to seek better job opportunities. He has kept in touch with us and sends us a monthly support. He works an electrician´s helper. My mother is Brenda Ester Chom Jimon. She works as a secretary at a government agency (RENAP-National Registry of Persons). I have one brother and one sister. They attend the feeding program too. My grandparents look after us while my mother is at work. My family are members of a Liberty Church. 

The house where we live belongs to my parents. There are three rooms made of block, concrete roof and ceramic floor. There is a separate kitchen. We have running water and electricity. My parents pay these services. Our greatest needs now are groceries. It is a 10-minute walk from my house to the feeding program. My prayers for each one who makes the feeding program possible.

Kisses and hugs,

Ian Pedro Jared Ruiz Chom

Translated by: Antigua Secretary-Lucia Gravez