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! My name is Leon Jonatan Alexander Ventura Us. I have only my mother´s last name because my father abandoned my mother when she was pregnant with me. I was born on October 12^th, 2020, in Joyabaj, Quiche, Guatemala. I am 4 years old and I am a healthy boy. I attend pre-kindergarten this year. I like to play ball. My favorite color is white and my favorite animal is the cow. I love to eat rice and chicken. I have no siblings. I am very happy to be registered in the Chixocol feeding program; I arrive there by walking in 40 minutes.

My father is not in my life because he did not want to legally recognize me and abandoned us. My mother´s name is Maria Ventura Us. Since she is a single parent, she struggles to provide for our needs; she works selling fried chicken and fries. My mother is in good health. We attend a Rock of Salvation Methodist Church. The house in which we live belongs to my maternal grandmother; both grandparents are living there. There are two concrete block rooms, the roof is made of tile and a ceramic floor. The kitchen is separated. There is running water and electricity services; my mother and grandparents help each other to pay the bills. As a family, we pray to God and ask that one day we can have our own house. Thank you for reading my letter. Every kind of blessing over you!

Lots of love,

Leon Jonatan Alexander Ventura Us

Translated by: Violeta Hernandez, AAC Secretary / Antigua