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.

Special regards to you! This is Melvin Sedequias Luis Gutierrez and I am so happy to tell you a little about my life through this letter. I was born on July 16, 2016. By the grace of the Lord, I am a healthy 8-year-old boy. I love having black beans and rice for my meals. I am in second grade and my favorite pastime is playing soccer. My favorite color is yellow and I love cats. I live with my parents, siblings, and grandparents on my father’s side. I have two brothers and two sisters. Arnoldo Luis De La Cruz is my father’s name. He makes a living as a farmer, while my mom keeps busy doing the household chores and caring for my siblings and me. My mother’s name is Juana Gutierrez Calachij. We believe in God and attend a Christian Church called Prince of Peace.

The house where we live belongs to my grandparents. We help them with the expenses. The house is made of adobe, tile roof, and dirt floor. It has three rooms and a separate kitchen. We have electricity and get water from a nearby spring. Fortunately, we have enough space to raise chickens for our consumption. I beg you to pray for us because we are a very low-income family. Our priorities are groceries. I am grateful to God because I am already part of LW-Adopt a Child. We live about one hour away from the feeding program, so we get there on foot. My mom is the one who takes my siblings and me to the feeding program. It is time to say goodbye, but I send you many hugs, hoping to hear from you soon.

With many blessings,

Melvin Sedequias Luis Gutierrez

Translated by: Hillary Popol, AAC Secretary / Antigua Guatemala