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.

Hello! I am so excited to share my information with you through this letter. I am Dairel Xavier Hernandez Morente and I was born on December 18, 2021. I do not attend school because I am still young. My favorite pastime is playing soccer and I like the color sky-blue. I love having chicken soup with noodles and I like kitties. I am an only child and I live with my parents. Thankfully, we are all in good health. My father’s name is Hector Hernandez Calachij and he makes a living as a day laborer. My mother’s name is Vilma Elena Morente Pablo and she is dedicated to taking care of our family. She also weaves typical blouses to sell and contribute with her income to cover some expenses and needs. Most of our needs are groceries and corn.

The house where we live belongs to my grandparents. My uncle and his family live with us too. The house has four rooms, a separate kitchen, electricity, and running water. It is made of adobe with tile roof and concrete floors. Thankfully, my grandparents are doing well and make a living as weavers. My parents help them to cover the household expenses. I live about 45 minutes away from the feeding program. I usually walk to get there and my mother accompanies me. It is time to say goodbye, but I kindly ask you to pray for my parents so they can cover my school expenses such as a uniform and shoes for the next year.

With much love,

Dairel Xavier Hernandez Morente

Translated by: Hillary Popol, AAC Secretary / Guatemala