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.

The best part of participating in the feeding program is being able to write this letter about my family and me. First, I want to send you a big hug and many greetings. My name is Anthony Zahir Vasquez Yat. I am 6 years old. I was born on January 10, 2020. I attend school in kindergarten. I spend time playing toy cars. My favorite color is blue and I love cats so I have one as a pet. I like to eat fried chicken. I am in good health. I thank God for my parents' lives and for their health. My father is Antonio Vasquez Castro. He tends his own small grocery store. My mother is Silvia Leticia Yat Toj. She stays at home doing the chores and she raises hens. I am an only child now. My family does not attend a church.

Our house belongs to my mother. There are three rooms but we only use two of them. It has a separate kitchen. The house is made of block walls, tin sheet roof and granite floor. We have running water and electricity. My father pays for it. I walk about 5 minutes to get to the feeding program. I feel so happy to know you that you will read my letter soon. May God bless you!

With much love,

Anthony Zahir Vasquez Yat

Translated by: Antigua Secretary-Lucia Gravez