My Story

Chixocol, where your child lives, is a very small village nestled in a mountain valley in the state of Quiché, 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 Quiché is always a challenge.

Hello! I am very happy to share my information through this. My full name is Lesly Suleydi Ventura Chitic. I have only my mother's last name because my father had already traveled to the United States when I was born. I was born on November 7^th, 2020, in Zacualpa, Quiche, Guatemala. I am now 4 years old; I am healthy. I am not attending school this year because I am still very young. For now, I spend my time playing with my dolls and other games at home. My favorite color is pink and the animal I like the most is the sheep. I love eating fried chicken. I live with my mother and one sister. Thankfully, my whole family is doing well. I am very happy to be part of the feeding program and I arrive there in 6 minutes by moto taxi; my grandma accompanies me.

My father´s name is Fabian de la Cruz Yat. He works as a cook in a restaurant and faithfully sends us economic support. My mother´s name is Micaela Ventura Chitic. She is a housewife and raises hens and sheep to sell. We are members of the Rock of Salvation Methodist Church. The house in which we live belongs to my paternal grandmother; we share the house with her and some uncles. There are three adobe rooms and a separated kitchen. The house is made of adobe with a tin sheet roof and a dirt floor. We have running water but no electricity; my mother pays the water once a year. Fortunately, one aunt shares the electricity with us and my mother helps to pay it every month. As a family, we are in need of corn to make our tortillas. Thank you very much for reading my letter, and I hope you find it interesting. Many blessings!

Kisses and hugs,

Lesly Suleydi Ventura Chitic

Translated by: Violeta Hernandez, AAC Secretary / Antigua