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.

It is a pleasure to greet you through this letter. My name is Estras Neymar Garcia Simaj and I am 5 years old. My birthdate is March 30, 2020. I am still too young to attend school, so I stay home with my mom. My favorite pastimes are watching cartoons and playing soccer with my siblings. I like the color blue and my favorite animal is the dog. As for food, let me tell you that I love having black beans with rice and sausages. I live with my parents and siblings. I have two brothers and two sisters. Thankfully, we are all doing well and attend a Christian Church. My father’s name is Samuel Garcia De la Cruz. He makes a living as a farmer and day laborer. My mother’s name is Juana Simaj Toj. She is a housewife and dedicates part of her time to raising and selling hens. She uses her income to cover some household expenses.

My family and I live in our own house. It is made of adobe with a tin sheet roof and a dirt floor. It has two rooms and a separate kitchen. We have electricity but no running water. Fortunately, my grandmother, on my father's side, lives near and shares water with us. To bring water to our home, we use a hose. Please pray for my family and our needs. The most demanding are groceries and running water at home. I am glad to be part of LW-Adopt a Child. My older sister and I usually walk for 25 minutes from where we live to get to the feeding program. I will leave you now, but I send you many and huge hugs. See you later!

With much love,

Estras Neymar Garcia Simaj

Translated by: Hillary Popol, AAC Secretary/Antigua Guatemala