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 Pedro Antonio Walter Pacheco Torquiz. I was born on August 12^th, 2019, in Zacualpa, Quiche, Guatemala. I am 5 years old and I am a healthy boy. I am attending pre-kindergarten. I like to play ball. My favorite color is white and my favorite animal is the cat. I love to eat fried chicken. I have one brother and two sisters. I am very happy to be registered in the Chixocol feeding program; I get there by walking in one hour. My mother accompanies me to the program.

My father is Jose Pacheco Panjoj. He works both as a farmer and as a day laborer; he provides for our home needs. My mother is Reina Marisol Torquiz Panjoj. She does the housework and raises hens and pigs to sell when we have some need at home. My loved ones are in good health. We attend a Christian Life Christian Church. The house in which we live belongs to my paternal grandmother. There are three adobe rooms, the roof is made of tin sheets and it has a cement floor. The kitchen is separated. There are running water and electricity services; my parents contribute to pay the expenses. Our greatest needs are groceries, corn, clothes and footwear. I appreciate that you are taking the time to read my letter. Many and abundant blessings!

Huge hugs,

Pedro Antonio Walter Pacheco Torquiz

Translated by: Violeta Hernandez, AAC Secretary / Antigua