My Story

Zacualpa is a small but busy village in a mountain valley. The village is inhabited by both Quiche Mayans and Ladinos (those with mixed European ancestry). The prevalent language is Spanish. Families in this village live in one or two room homes generally constructed of either wood or adobe. Although many of the people are farmers, the village contains several small specialized stores, a body repair shop for buses, mechanics, plumbers and many other small-town tradesmen. It also has a large open-air market which serves much of the area. Even with all of this, the poverty level is very high and the children are very needy.

Hello! I fondly greet you, hoping you are doing well. I am Herman Darillo Tzoc Chingo and before telling you about my life, I want you to know that I appreciate the time you are dedicating to read this letter. Luckily, I am a healthy 11-year-old boy. I was born on February 18, 2015. I am in third grade at school and my favorite pastime is playing soccer. I also like watching TV programs and drawing. The color yellow is my favorite. I like cats and what I like having for my meals the most are fried chicken and fried noodles. I want you to know that I am so happy to attend the feeding program, which is only a five-minute walk from where I live. I am an only child. The main supporter of my family is my mother. Her name is Magdalena Chingo Jimon. She works as a day laborer and sells chickens that she raises.

Unfortunately, she lost the vision in her right eye due to an accident that she had when she was 9 years old. Despite that, she is doing well. About my father, I tell you that he attends the public hospital in Joyabaj town and receives treatment, since he suffers from diabetes. His name is Pascual Tzoc Gomez and he has a modest business, which consists of washing cars, but that is not producing enough resources to contribute to the household expenses. Please pray for my family and our needs. Most of them are groceries. We are grateful to a relative on my father’s side because he allows us to live in his property for free. It is a three-room house, with an improvised kitchen in the hallway, electricity, and running water. To end this letter, I hope to hear from you soon.

Sincerely yours,

Herman Darillo Tzoc Chingo

Translated by: Hillary Popol, AAC Secretary / Guatemala