Zacualpa is a small but busy village in a mountain valley. The village is inhabited by both Quiche Mayans and Ladinos (those with mixed European ancestry). The prevalent language is Spanish. Families in this village live in one or two room homes generally constructed of either wood or adobe. Although many of the people are farmers, the village contains several small specialized stores, a body repair shop for buses, mechanics, plumbers and many other small town tradesmen. It also has a large open air market which serves much of the area. Even with all of this, the poverty level is very high and the children are very needy. 

Hello! My name is Mary Estefany Eulalia Ailon Chivalan, and I am so happy to tell you about my life. I was born on August 18, 2020. Luckily, I am a healthy 4-year-old girl. I am excited because I attend pre-kindergarten. My favorite pastime is playing with my dolls. I like the color pink. My favorite animals are rabbits. I love eating beans and cheese. I live with my parents and siblings. I have one brother and one sister. We attend a Christian Church called Emanuel alongside our parents. My mother’s name is Elida Elizabeth Chivalan Urizar. She works in a tortilleria business and sells homemade food to contribute to the household expenses. Please pray for my mother. She suffers from polycystic ovarian syndrome, but she is not under treatment because of a lack of economic resources.

My father’s name is Juan Daniel Avilon Avilon. He is doing well and works as a public bus driver to cover our needs. Some of our priorities are clothes, food, and school supplies for me. We live in a rented house, which costs Q850 = $113.33 monthly. It does not include electricity and running water payments. The walls and roof of the house are made of concrete blocks with a concrete floor. It has two rooms and a separate kitchen. The feeding program is a little far from my house. My mother and I usually walk for 20 minutes to get there. I will leave you now, but I appreciate you taking the time to read my information. Until next time! 

Kisses and hugs,  

Mary Estefany Eulalia Ailon Chivalan 

Translated by: Hillary Popol, AAC Secretary / Antigua Guatemala