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! This is Edwin Estuardo Gutierrez Ajqui and I am so happy to share my information with you. I was born on December 14, 2012. Fortunately, I am a healthy 12-year-old boy. I am in sixth grade and my favorite pastime is playing soccer. My favorite color is black, I love dogs, and my favorite food is chow-mein. Now, let me tell you a little about my family. My mother’s name is Maria Isabela Ajqui Mendez. She is healthy and works as a waitress in a place where they prepare and sell typical food. My stepfather’s name is Fernando Garcia Gomez. He is also healthy and makes a living as a tuk-tuk taxi driver. I have two sisters, but no brothers. I am the oldest child in my family. As for my biological father, let me tell you that he abandoned our family and me six years ago. His name is Emanuel Gutierrez Gutierrez. We know nothing about him.

My family and I attend a Christian Church called Pentecostal United. We live in a rented house, so my stepfather pays Q350.00=$45.36 monthly. The house is made of adobe with a tin sheet roof and a dirt floor. It has three rooms, a separate kitchen, electricity and running water. My stepfather also pays for the services. We are a needy family and some of our priorities are corn, groceries, clothes, and shoes. Being part of the feeding program is a great blessing for me. My siblings and I usually walk 20 minutes from where we live to get there. I say goodbye to you now, but I hope to hear about your life next time.

In the name of Jesus,

Edwin Estuardo Gutierrez Ajqui

Translated by: Hillary Popol, AAC Secretary / Antigua Guatemala