My Story

Chixocol, where your child lives, is a very small village nestled in a mountain valley in the state of Quiche, Guatemala. Life in this state is very difficult and somewhat isolated from the outside world. Most families live in one-room adobe houses with dirt floors and a small attached kitchen. The extremely poor live in houses made of corn stalks. In the past few years electricity and water have become available to most people in the area - however, indoor plumbing is very rare. Most of the families are farmers or shepherds and live off the fruits of their labors. Public education is available for those who can afford it and consider it of value. Life in Quiche is always a challenge.

My name is Erick Daniel Coj Gomez and I am so happy to share my information with you through this letter. I was born on January 12, 2020. I am in pre-kinder and I am in good health. After school, I like playing with my toys, especially with my toy cars. My favorite color is blue and I like rabbits very much. I love having black beans with rice for my meals. I want you to know that I have a healthy and lovely family. We attend the Catholic Church. My father is Santos Doroteo Coj Martin. He has lived and worked in the United States for about two years. He helps us economically and keeps in touch with us. He told us that he works for a restaurant in the cleaning area. My mother is Juana Gomez Gutierrez. She is a housewife and raises domestic animals to sell. She uses her income to help at home with the expenses. We have a few chickens, cows, and pigs at home.

We live with my grandparents at their house. They are my grandparents on my mother’s side. The house is made of adobe with a tin sheet roof and a concrete floor. It has three rooms, a separate kitchen, electricity and running water. We pay the electricity every month while the water is paid every year. I beg you to pray for my family and our needs, especially food. Fortunately, I am already part of the feeding program. My siblings and I usually get there on foot. I send you many and huge hugs. I hope to hear from you soon.

Lots of love,

Erick Daniel Coj Gomez

Translated by: Hillary Popol, AAC Secretary/Antigua Guatemala