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.

I am so happy to introduce myself and I hope you enjoy reading my information! My full name is Maria Sandra de la Cruz de Leon. I was born on May 20^th of 2019, in Zacualpa, Quiche, Guatemala. I am 6 years old, and I am doing well. My father´s name is Victor de la Cruz Gomez. He traveled to the United States about 3 years ago; he works in an egg packing plant. He communicates with us and sends us monthly support. My mother´s name is Cecilia de Leon Garcia. She usually stays busy with the housework and raises hens and pigs. I have two brothers and one sister. Our pets are a dog and a cat. Fortunately, my family is doing well.

I am attending kindergarten this year. I love to play with my dolls and football too. I love the color blue, and I like cats. My favorite meal is fried chicken. My family and I attend Prince of Peace Church. My mother owns the house in which we live. There are two adobe rooms with tin sheet roof and a dirt floor. The kitchen is separated. We do not have running water or electricity services. So, we get water from a nearby river and we bring it home with the help of a hose. We have a solar panel to get light. As a family, our greatest needs are groceries and clothes. I am so excited to be registered in the feeding program. I walk 35 minutes and I attend alongside my older siblings. Thank you for reading my letter. Every kind of blessing to you!

Kisses and hugs,

Maria Sandra de la Cruz de Leon

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