My Story

Chuchuca, where your child lives, is an area located high on the side of a mountain in the state of Quiche, Guatemala. Life in this area is very difficult and very isolated from the outside world. It is more than a two hour walk to the nearest market town of Zacualpa. Chuchuca is a farming area where corn and black beans, the staple elements in their diet, are the major crops. The Quiche Mayans who inhabit this area trace their ancestral roots to the ancient Mayan civilization. They normally speak a Mayan dialect called Quiche - however, Spanish is becoming more common. Very little money ever changes hands in this area as they live on a barter system.

It is such a blessing to greet you through this letter. My full name is Yeudy Hilario Barrera Gomez and I will tell you a little about my life. I was born on June 1, 2020. I am in prekinder and what I like the most is riding my bike. My favorite color is gold. I like dogs, and what I love eating the most is fried chicken. I am an only child and I live with my parents. Fortunately, we are in good health. We do not attend any church at the moment. My father’s name is Joel Barrera Simaj and he works as a day laborer and farmer. He also travels to the coast and cuts coffee beans during the last three months of the year to support our family.

My mother’s name is Florinda Gomez Garcia and she is a housewife. She sells chickens that she raises herself to contribute to the expenses. We live with my grandmother and her house is made of wood with a tin sheet roof and a dirt floor. It has one room and a separate kitchen, but there is no running water or electricity either. Therefore, we use hoses to collect water from the river. We also use candles at night. The feeding program is about 45 minutes from where I live. I usually get there on foot and my mother accompanies me. It is time to say goodbye, but I kindly ask you to pray for my family and our needs. Most of them are groceries, shoes, and clothes. Until next time!

With much love,

Yeudy Hilario Barrera Gomez

Translated by: Hillary Popol, AAC Secretary / Guatemala