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! My full name is Ricardo Ronaldo de la Cruz Luis, and I am pleased to share my information with you. I was born on May 30, 2014. Fortunately, I am a healthy 10-year-old boy. I am in fifth grade and my favorite pastime is playing soccer with my friends. Domestic animals are cute, but my favorite one is the rabbit. My favorite meal is grilled meat. By the grace of the Lord, I have a lovely and healthy family. I only have one brother. Abraham de la Cruz Calachij is my father’s name. He makes a living as a farmer and day laborer. As for my mom, let me tell you that she is a great housewife and takes care of my brother and me. Her name is Nicolasa Luis de la Cruz. We are members of a Christian Church called El Buen Camino (The Right Path Church).

My family and I live in a borrowed house that belongs to one of my uncles. His name is Israel Ruiz de la Cruz. The house is made of adobe, tin sheet roof, and dirt floor. This has one room, a separate kitchen, and electricity. My father pays for the electricity service monthly. There is no running water at home, but we have a well, so we use hoses to draw water. We are grateful to my uncle because he allows us to raise some chickens and cows at home. We are a needy family, and some of our priorities are food and school supplies for me. So, I ask you to pray for us. I am glad because I can attend the feeding program. To get there, my father takes me on a motorcycle. The journey takes us fifteen minutes from where we live. It is time to say goodbye to you, but I thank you so much for reading my letter. Until next time!

Affectionately,

Ricardo Ronaldo de la Cruz Luis

Translated by: Hillary Popol, AAC Secretary / Antigua Guatemala