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 Cristian Benito Nicolas Lux Mendez, and it is a blessing to share my story with you. I was born on February 24, 2017. I am in second grade. I love playing soccer in my free time. My favorite food is pizza. I like the color blue. My favorite animals are lions. I live with my parents, siblings, and grandparents on my mother’s side. I have one brother and one sister. My parents are Osvaldo Yobany Lux Santos and Irma Yolanda Mendez Morente. My father makes a living as a day laborer and a farmer, while my mother keeps busy doing the chores. She occasionally washes clothes for other people to contribute to the expenses. We are a needy family. One of our priorities is food.  

We attend a Christian Church called Prince of Peace. My family and I are grateful to my grandparents for allowing us to live in their house. It is made of adobe with a tin sheet roof and a concrete floor. It has four rooms, a separate kitchen, electricity, and running water. My father is the one who pays for the services. We have a few chickens at home for our consumption. The feeding program is about 15 minutes away from where I live. Therefore, my cousins and I walk to get there. Thank you so much for reading my letter!  

With much love,  

Cristian Benito Nicolas Lux Mendez 

Translated by: Hillary Popol, AAC Secretary / Antigua Guatemala