My Story

Chuchuca, where your child lives, is an area located high on the side of a mountain in the state of Quiché, Guatemala. Life in this area is very difficult and very isolated from the outside world. It is more than a two hour walk to the nearest market town of Zacualpa.  Chuchuca is a farming area where corn and black beans, the staple elements in their diet, are the major corps. The Quiché Indians who inhabit this area trace their ancestral roots to the ancient Mayan civilization. They normally speak an Indian dialect called Quiché - however, Spanish is becoming more common. Very little money ever changes hands in this area as they live on a barter system.

Hello! I am so excited to introduce myself in this opportunity. My name is Jairo Oliver Portuguez Barrera. I was born on March 30^th of 2016, in Zacualpa, Quiche, Guatemala. I am 9 years old, and fortunately, I am in good health. My father´s name is Gregorio Portuguez de la Cruz. He works as a day laborer and farms the land; he provides for our home needs. My mother´s name is Paula Barrera Simaj de Portuguez. She usually does the housework at home, and raises hens, sheep and pigs. Our pet is a dog. I have three brothers and one sister. My family and I are members of the Church of Christ.

This year I am repeating 2^nd grade at school. I love the color blue. The animal I like the most is the cow. My hobby is to play football. I like to eat herbs and eggs. Thanks to God, my mom is the owner of the house in which we live in; there are two rooms made of adobe with tin sheet roof and a dirt floor. We do not have running water nor electricity. So, we use candles at night, and my grandma shares water with us. My parents to contribute to pay for it and it is only one payment a year. As a family, our greatest needs are access to water and electricity services; we trust that our Lord will provide the resources to get them. I want you to pray for my mother´s health because she suffers from headaches and watering eyes. She visited a doctor some time ago, but due to a lack of resources, she does not buy the medicines. Besides that, we are fine. I am so grateful to be registered in the feeding program and I have to walk one hour to arrive. This is all for now. Many and rich blessings over you!

Kisses and hugs,

Jairo Oliver Portuguez Barrera

Translated by: Violeta Hernandez / A-A-C Secretary-Antigua Guatemala