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. I am Tomasa Amarilis Calel Morente. My birth date is October 25^th, 2020, and I was born in Xecnup, Joyabaj, Quiche, Guatemala. I am now 4 years old and I am healthy. I am attending pre-kindergarten this year. I like to play hide-and-seek. My favorite color is red and the animal I like the most is the cat. I love eating pasta. I live with my mother, one brother and one sister. I am very happy to be part of the feeding program and I arrive there in 30 minutes by walking.

My father´s name is Natanael Calel. He lives and works in the United States; he traveled abroad three years ago. We do not know what kind of work he does, but he sends us economic support. My mother´s name is Zoila Esperanza Morente Yat. She prepares homemade ice cream and frozen fruits covered with chocolate and goes to sell them on the street. Also, she raises hens. We are members of the Prince of Peace Church. My father and siblings are in good health. But, my mother has cysts in her ovaries and because of that she has pain in her lower stomach and also in her feet. Due to a lack of resources, she does not have medical treatment.

My mother is the owner of the house in which we live. There is one adobe room with a tin sheet roof and a dirt floor. The kitchen is separated. We do not have running water or electricity. My grandma shares the water with us and we carry it with the help of plastic containers. The water payment is once a year Q50.00 = $7.00, and my parents contribute to pay it. We use candles at night. Our greatest needs are water and electricity services, and to add another room; we pray for God to provide the resources to do it. I appreciate you reading my letter and I hope you find it interesting. Every kind of blessing over you!

Kisses and hugs,

Tomasa Amarilis Calel Morente

Translated by: Violeta Hernandez, AAC Secretary / Antigua