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 Maria Celeste Violeta Tiniguar Morales and I am so happy to greet you. I am 5 years old and thankfully, I am doing well. I was born on May 8, 2019. I am in pre-kinder now. My favorite color is purple and I love cats. My favorite food is fried chicken and I like playing with my dolls. I attend a Christian Church with my family. I live with my parents and oldest brother. I only have one brother. I beg you to pray for my parents because they are sick. My father’s name is Martin Tiniguar Panjoj. He suffers from helicobacter pylori and gastritis. He has been under treatment for about two years. He is weak most of the time, so he does not work. My mother’s name is Marta Elena Morales Aguilar. She was diagnosed with cysts in her uterus a few months ago. She is already under treatment. She works hard as a day laborer and makes and sells typical blouses to support our family. Our priorities are groceries.

My family and I live with my grandmother and aunt on my father’s side. My grandmother is the owner of the house. It is made of adobe with a tin sheet roof and a concrete floor. It has three rooms, a separate kitchen, electricity, and running water. Everybody contributes to pay for the services. The electricity is paid monthly while water is paid twice a year. We raise chickens and pigs at home for our consumption. I am glad because I can have delicious meals at the feeding program. It is about 25 minutes from where I live. My brother and I usually take a tuk-tuk to get there. To end this letter, I send you huge hugs but I hope to hear from you soon.

With many blessings,

Maria Celeste Violeta Tiniguar Morales

Translated by: Hillary Popol, AAC Secretary/Antigua Guatemala