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. 

Special greetings to you! My full name is Lesner Misael Santos Tiu Toj, and it is a pleasure to share a little about my life with you. I was born on October 14, 2016. I am doing well, but I have speech problems. I am 8 years old and repeating the first grade. My favorite pastime is playing soccer, and I love the color red. I enjoy having cheese for my meals. My favorite animals are cats. I live with my parents and siblings. I only have three sisters. My father is Santos Domingo Tiu Tum. He makes a living as a farmer, while my mother takes care of our family. Her name is Alida Toj Gonzalez. Besides being a housewife, she usually sells fruits at the market on Thursdays and Sundays to contribute to the expenses. Our priority is food.  

I want to use this opportunity and ask you to pray for my family and our well-being. We do not attend any church at the moment. Fortunately, we live in our own house. It is made of adobe, a tin sheet roof, and a concrete floor. It has two rooms, an improvised kitchen in the hallway, electricity, and running water. I am glad to attend because I enjoy delicious food for free at the feeding program. I live about 25 minutes away from it. Therefore, my mother and I usually walk to get there. It is time to say goodbye, but I look forward to hearing from you soon. Have a wonderful day! 

Kisses and hugs,  

Lesner Misael Santos Tiu Toj  

Translated by: Hillary Popol, AAC Secretary / Antigua Guatemala