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 full name is Sebastian Alan Nas Gonzalez and I am so happy to let you know about my life. I was born on June 29, 2020. By the grace of the Lord, I am a healthy 4-year-old boy. I am in pre-kinder and my favorite color is blue. I love playing soccer with my friends. My favorite food is fried chicken and I like dogs very much. I live with my mother and sisters. I have three sisters but no brothers. I do not have my father with me because he traveled to the United States before I was born. Therefore, I only have my mother’s last name. My father is Manuel Gutierrez Zetino. He works in the field as a farmer to survive and help us economically. He sends us money every two months. My mother is Maria Nas Gonzalez. She is a housewife, weaves typical items, and raises and sells hens to earn a little money. Fortunately, my whole family is doing well. We attend a Christian Church called Ebenezer.

We live in our own house. It is made of concrete blocks with a concrete roof and a granite floor. It has four rooms, a separate kitchen, electricity, and running water. We usually pay for the electricity every month and water every six months. Besides hens, we also raise pigs at home. I ask you to pray for my family and our needs. Our priorities are groceries and clothes. The feeding program is a great blessing for my family and me. It is about one hour from my home. My sisters and I usually get there on foot. To end this letter, I send you huge hugs. Until next time!

Many blessings,

Sebastian Alan Nas Gonzalez

Translated by: Hillary Popol, AAC Secretary/Antigua Guatemala