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.

Hello! My name is Juana Leticia Chan Chacaj and it is a pleasure to share my information with you. I am 8 years old and fortunately, I am in good health. I was born on April 28, 2017. I am in second grade this year. My favorite pastimes are painting and reading. I like the color purple and my favorite food is spaghetti. Dogs are cute and playful, so they are my favorites. Now, let me tell you about my family. My father’s name is Jose Chan Ordonez. He works as a farmer and day laborer. My mother’s name is Rosa Chacaj de la Cruz. She is dedicated to taking care of my siblings and me. I have two brothers and two sisters. My mother also sells pieces of fruit in small bags to earn a little income and help my father cover the expenses and buy food, which is one of our priorities. In addition, she raises chickens at home. She occasionally sells them to earn extra money. 

I am glad because everybody is doing well. We are members of a Christian Church called Pentecostal United. We 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 which is made of wood. We have electricity and running water because my grandmother shares those services with us. My parents help her to pay half of the bills for the services. We live about 10 minutes from the feeding program. We usually get there on foot. It is time to say goodbye, but I send you my best wishes. Until next time!

Kisses and hugs,

Juana Leticia Chan Chacaj

Translated by: Hillary Popol, AAC Secretary/Antigua Guatemala