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.

Many blessings for you! My full name is Maycol Thomas Tiniguar Guarcas and before starting, I thank you so much for taking the time to read my letter. I was born on June 6, 2013. Fortunately, I am a healthy 11-year-old boy. I am in fourth grade. After school, I do homework and review my lessons. My favorite color is red and I love cats. My mom prepares delicious food, but my favorite is chow-mein. I live with my parents and siblings. I have one brother and one sister. My father is Tomas Tiniguar Hernandez and my mother is Claudia Maria Guarcas Perez. They make a living by selling kitchen utensils. To earn extra income, my father works as a day laborer. Fortunately, everybody is in good health. I beg you to pray for my family so we always have food at home.

My family and I trust in God and attend the Catholic Church. The house where we live belongs to my father. It is made of bricks with a tin sheet roof and a ceramic floor. It has four rooms, a separate kitchen, electricity and running water. We do not raise domestic animals at home because of a lack of space. I am so happy because I am already part of LW-Adopt a Child like my siblings. We usually walk five minutes from our house to get to the feeding program. I say goodbye to you now, but I would love to hear about your life soon. Take care of yourself!

Special regards,

Maycol Thomas Tiniguar Guarcas

Translated by: Hillary Popol, AAC Secretary / Antigua Guatemala