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 glad to greet you in this beautiful day! My full name is Hilaria Hermelinda Garcia Chingo. I was born on April 13^th of 2019, in Zacualpa, Quiche, Guatemala. I am a 6-year-old girl. My father is Benancio Garcia Gutierrez. He has a work visa in the United States, so he travels there frequently. He works in a plant nursery; he keeps in touch with us every week and sends us monthly support. He usually comes to visit us for five months, and then, he returns to his job. My mother is Maria Chingo Gomez. She does the housework. She also raises hens, sheep and a cow to sell and help herself economically. I have two brothers and four sisters. I am so happy to tell you that my loved ones and I are in good health.

This year I am not attending school because of my young age. So, I spend my time at home and I enjoy playing with my dolls. I love the color pink, and the animal I like the most is the cow. My favorite meals are black beans, and rice with eggs. My family and I attend Catholic Church. The house in which we live belongs to one of my maternal uncles, and we share the house with my grandparents. There are three block rooms with a tile roof and a cement floor. The kitchen is separated. We have running water and electricity services. The electricity payment is monthly, and the water is yearly. The greatest needs for us are groceries. I am so excited to be part of the feeding program; I attend alongside my sisters and we walk for 25 minutes to arrive. Well, for the time being that is all. Many and rich blessings!

Warm hugs,

Hilaria Hermelinda Garcia Chingo

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