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. 

Kind regards to all of you! My full name is Melany Francisca Lux Mendez, and I want you to know that I am excited to share about my life with you. I was born on August 31, 2019. Luckily, I am a healthy 6-year-old girl. I am in pre-kinder. I have a lot of fun playing with my dolls, especially when I pretend to cook for them. I enjoy having sausages in my meals. My favorite animals are tigers, and I like the color pink. I am a lucky girl because I have a beautiful and healthy family. I live with my parents, siblings, and grandparents on my mother’s side. I only have two brothers. 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. The house where we live belongs to my grandparents. 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 brother and I walk to get there alongside our cousins. Thank you so much for reading my information! I hope to hear yours soon. May God bless you! 

Best wishes,   

Melany Francisca Lux Mendez 

Translated by: Hillary Popol, AAC Secretary / Antigua Guatemala