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 Martina Leticia Benito Ruiz and I fondly greet you. I am a healthy 4-year-old girl and I am excited to tell you about my life. I was born on March 22, 2021. Because of my age, I still do not attend school. My favorite pastimes are playing with my dolls and painting. My favorite food is fried chicken. I like the color pink and my favorite animals are chicks. I attend Liberty Church with my mom and sister. I only have one sister. Fortunately, they are doing well. My mother’s name is Vilma Josefina Benito Ruiz. She is a single parent and does her best to support our family. Our priorities are corn and groceries. She works as a janitor in a school here in our village. I want to use this opportunity to tell you that I only have my mother’s last name because my father did not want to recognize me legally.

My family and I live with my grandmother at her house. One of my uncles and his family live with us too. The house is made of adobe with a tin sheet roof and a concrete floor. It has two rooms, a separate kitchen, electricity, and running water. My mother helps to pay those services. As for domestic animals, let me tell you that we raise a few chickens at home for our consumption. The feeding program is about 15 minutes from where I live. I usually get there on foot with my aunt and cousins. It is time to say goodbye, but I hope to hear from you soon. Take care of yourself!

Kisses and hugs,

Martina Leticia Benito Ruiz

Translated by: Hillary Popol, AAC Secretary/Antigua Guatemala