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 happy to introduce myself in this opportunity. My full name is Cesar Alexander Garcia de la Cruz. I was born on June 3^rd of 2014, in Chuchuca, Zacualpa, Quiche, Guatemala. I am 11 years old. My father´s name is Bernabe Garcia Gomez. He works as a farmer and does "fletes" (carrying goods or people) in his car around our village. My mother´s name is Juana de la Cruz de Garcia. She is a housewife and additionally, she sews typical skirts. She raises hens and rabbits. I have two brothers and two sisters. My father suffers from gastritis and he is taking medicines; however, it seems it does not work. Besides that, the rest of us are doing well.

This year I am repeating 3^rd grade. Let me tell you I love rabbits and I have some as pets. I love the color green, and my favorite food is eggs with sausages. My family and I are attending Catholic Church. Thanks to God, we live in our own property, and my paternal grandma lives with us. There are three brick rooms with a tile roof and a granite floor. The kitchen is separated. We have running water and electricity services; the payment of water is once a year and the electricity every month. Our greatest needs are groceries and school supplies. I am excited to be part of the feeding program and receive the benefits. I walk 10 minutes to arrive there and I go alongside my brother. I say goodbye to you for now, and I hope to hear news from you soon. Every blessing to you!

Lots of love,

Cesar Alexander Garcia de la Cruz

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