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 am very grateful for the opportunity to be part of Living Water and to be blessed with lunch and medicine. My name is Damaris Tomasa Paulina Barrera Barrera. I was born on April 6, 2022. I am 4 years old now. I do not attend school yet. I spend time playing toy dishes.  My favorite color is purple and I love pigeons. I like to eat sausages. I am in good health. Let me tell you a little about my family: my father is Jose Manuel Barrera Perez and he works as a mason helper. My mother is Juana Barrera Lastor, and she stays at home doing the chores. She raises hens. I have two brothers and one sister. They attend the feeding program too. By the grace of God, they all are well. My family attends a church.

We live in our own house. There is only one room made of adobe, tin sheet roof and dirt floor. It has running water and electricity. My father pays for these services. Our main needs are groceries, clothes and corn. I walk about 35 minutes from home to the feeding program. I say goodbye for now and I hope you enjoy reading my letter.

With much love,

Damaris Tomasa Paulina Barrera Barrera

Translated by: Antigua Secretary-Lucia Gravez