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 hope this letter finds you happy and healthy. I am so glad to have the opportunity to be part of the feeding program. Dyllan Jhordanny Giron Estrada sends you many greetings. Let me tell you a little about me. I am 13 years old. I was born on April 21, 2013. I am in the last grade of primary school, which is 6th grade. I enjoy helping my mother to weave. My favorite color is turquoise and I love rabbits. I would like to open my heart and tell you about a genetic malformation in my left hand. Fortunately, it does not affect me. Thankfully, my family is in good health. I live with my mother, my sister and my stepfather. My biological father passed away many years ago. His name was Pablo Leonardo Giron Granados. My mother remarried Julio Estuardo Noriega 5 months ago. He is a good person and supports our family working as a bus driver. My mother is Brenda Paola Estrada Manuel. My mother has her own business where she sells typical food. I have a sister and she attends the program too. My family does not attend a church.

My parents rented a house. There are four rooms but we only use three of them and a separate kitchen. These are made of block walls, concrete roof and ceramic floor. We have running water and electricity. We have hens at home. I walk about 10 minutes to get to the feeding program. Thank you for taking the time to read my letter. May God bless you!

Kisses and hugs,

Dyllan Jhordanny Giron Estrada

Translated by: Antigua Secretary-Lucia Gravez