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! It is such a blessing to share a little bit about my life with you. My full name is Edilson Jeremias Garcia de la Cruz and I was born on March 8, 2019. Fortunately, I am in good health and I am in first grade. My favorite pastime is playing soccer. I love having eggs with tomato for my meals. My favorite color is blue and I like chickens. About my family, I tell you that my mother is a single parent since my biological father abandoned her when she was pregnant. My mother’s name is Marisela Garcia De La Cruz and she is a very busy housewife. She also sells chickens, sheep, and pigs that she raises to contribute to the expenses.

Jorge Mario Garcia Quino is my stepfather, but I lovingly call him father. He works hard as a day laborer and farmer to support our family. The house where we live belongs to my grandparents. The house is made of adobe with tin sheet roof and dirt floors. It has two rooms, a separate kitchen, and electricity. We get water from a nearby spring. I tell you that my aunt and her children live with us, too. My family and I live about 20 minutes from the feeding program. I usually get there by walking, but my father sometimes takes me there on his motorcycle. It is time to say goodbye, but thank you so much for reading my letter.

Best wishes,

Edilson Jeremias Garcia de la Cruz

Translated by: Hillary Popol, AAC Secretary / Guatemala