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 regards to you! My full name is Gisel Anyeli Noriega Gomez and I want to share a little about my life with you. I was born on May 23, 2018. I am a healthy 6-year-old girl and I love riding my bike. I am in first grade this year. My favorite color is pink, I like cats, and I love having French fries with my meals. Thankfully, I have my parents with me. Wilson Rene Noriega Urizar is my father’s name. He makes a living by making concrete posts in our village to support our family. Our priorities are groceries and school supplies for me. I beg you to pray for my father’s health because he suffers from anxiety. He has not gone to the doctor, but he self-medicates. My mother is Marta Lidia Gomez Morales. She is doing well and keeps busy with the household chores and takes care of my youngest sister and me. I only have one sister.

We attend a Christian Church called Elim. By the grace of the Lord, we live in our own house. It is made of bricks with a tile roof and a ceramic floor. It has one room, a separate kitchen, electricity, and running water. My parents pay for running water annually while the electricity is paid monthly. We do not raise domestic animals at home for lack of space. My family and I are grateful to God because I can attend the feeding program. To get there, my mom and I usually walk 20 minutes from our house. I say goodbye to you now, but I hope to hear about you next time. Take care of yourself!

Kisses and hugs,

Gisel Anyeli Noriega Gomez

Translated by: Hillary Popol, AAC Secretary / Antigua Guatemala