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! I am Elmer Damian Grave Morente, and I am excited to share my information with you. I was born on December 14, 2014. I am 10 years old. Fortunately, I am a healthy boy. I am repeating first grade. I love eating hamburgers. My favorite pastimes are playing soccer and riding my bike. I like cats and my favorite color is red. Now, let me tell you about my family. We attend a Christian Church called Prince of Peace. I only have one brother. We live with our mother and grandfather. My mother’s name is Juana Morente Tino. She is a housewife and works hard to cover our needs, like clothes. She weaves traditional clothes and sells chickens and pigs raised at home. My grandfather is no longer able to work because of his age and blindness. Fortunately, my uncles help him economically. He takes a little money to help us pay for the electricity service.  

The house where we live belongs to one of my uncles. He is in the United States. The house is made of concrete blocks and adobe walls with tin sheet roof and concrete floors. It has three rooms, a separate kitchen, running water, and electricity. The feeding program is about 15 minutes away from home. My young aunt also has her meals there, so we take a tuk-tuk to get there. It is almost time to say goodbye, but I want you to know that my biological father separated from my mother about ten years ago. His name is Jose Antonio Grave Lopez. Today, he lives and works in the United States. Most of the time, he phones me on weekends, so I know he is doing well. He works in the construction area and helps me economically. Looking forward to hearing from you soon.  

Sincerely yours,  

Elmer Damian Grave Morente 

Translated by: Hillary Popol, AAC Secretary / Antigua Guatemala