My Story

Zacualpa is a small but busy village in a mountain valley. The village is inhabited by both Quiché Indians 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 name is Gerardo Natareno Perez. I was born on June 26^th, 2015, in Joyabaj, Quiche, Guatemala. I am 9 years old and I am a health boy. I am in the 4^th grade at school. I like to play football and tag. My favorite color is green and my favorite animal is the dog. I like to eat pizza. I have no brothers or sisters. I attend the Zacualpa feeding program and I arrive there in 20 minutes by walking.

My father´s name is Candido Sonforoso Natareno Lopez. He works as a truck driver, and he delivers Pepsi soda. My mother´s name is Karla Olinda Perez Muñoz. She makes a living by making and selling tortillas; it is her own business. She also raises hens. My father and siblings are doing well. My mother recently was sick with flu and body pain and is recovering from it. However, we experienced difficulties when one of us became ill and did not have the resources to visit a doctor. Fortunately, now I can receive medical care in the LW clinics.

My father owns the house in which we live; there are two rooms with a separated kitchen. The walls are made of concrete, tin sheet roof and a cement floor. We have electricity service and my parents pay for it every month. We do not use running water since we have a water well, which we get with the help of an electric pump. Our greatest needs are groceries and health support. We attend Catholic Church. I appreciate you taking the time to read my letter. Many and abundant blessings over you!

Special greetings,

Gerardo Natareno Perez

Translated by: Violeta Hernandez, AAC Secretary / Antigua