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! It is a big privilege to share my story with you through this letter. My name is Adylem Patricia Buchan Ramirez, and I was born on November 9, 2018. My favorite pastime is playing with balls. I like the color pink. I am 6 years old band attend school as a kindergartener. My favorite food is hamburgers, and I love dogs. As for my health, let me tell you that I have problems with my tonsils. I was diagnosed with pneumonia about six months ago. The doctor asked me to undergo some tests, but I have not done them due to a lack of financial resources. So please, pray for me. Concerning my family, let me tell you that nobody is sick. My father’s name is Juan Jose Buchan Garcia. He drives trucks or chicken buses to cover our needs.  

My mother’s name is Roxana Yanira Ramirez Mejia. She keeps busy doing the chores, raising chickens for our consumption, and taking care of my siblings and me. I have two brothers and one sister. We do not attend any church at the moment. The house where we live belongs to my father. Its walls are made of concrete blocks and adobe with tin sheet roof and a dirt floor. It has three rooms, a separate kitchen, but no electricity or running water either. Thankfully, my grandmother provided those services to us. My father helps her to cover the expenses. Let me tell you that the feeding program is about 15 minutes away from my house. Therefore, my mother and I usually walk to get there. This is all for now, but I hope you found my information engaging.  

Kind regards,  

Adylem Patricia Buchan Ramirez 

Translated by: Hillary Popol, AAC Secretary / Antigua Guatemala